It has been an unusual day today as I have reflected on 13 years of flying the #Boeing747 for #BritishAirways with a few people. I woudl ask for your indulgence as I take a short walk down memory lane from Boeing 747 No 1 to Air Force 1. #BA747 #BritishAirways747. >>>>

It all started in 1969 when Joe Sutter an engineer working for #Boeing launched the first #Boeing747 from Boeing Field in #Seattle. The aircraft was the first widebody airliner & over 50 years later it is still be flying. Join me visiting No1 here

This year has seen @BoeingAirplanes announce the end of the line for the #Boeing747 as they will stop manufacturing the freighter version soon. The venerable aircraft hasn’t changed much since 1969 but it will be around for many years to come. Read here https://theavgeeks.com/2019/02/09/reports-of-my-death-have-been-greatly-exaggerated/

I have a huge passion for this #aircraft as it has been a huge part of my life for the past 13 years. I have been privileged to see and do some amazing things. A particular highlight was that I flew the #Boeing747 that brought the Paralympians home from the Brazil Games. #AvGeek

The are few office windows that give a view like the #Boeing747 and I have be awestruck by some on the natural phenomenon and vistas I have seen. Here is an #AuroraBorealis, noctilucent cloud, and of course the #glaciers and mountains of #Greenland. #AvGeek #BritishAirways747

Did you know that the #Boeing747 is the current holder of three Guinness World Records? The 747-8i is the longest passenger #airliner ever. Carried the most pax ever at 1088, and the fastest commercial airliner. It has also carried 3.5B people which is half the world #Avgeek

The 747 is an icon of aviation and there have been so many special variants from the largest ever fire truck of the @GSTSSupertanker to the beautiful lines of NASA’s @SOFIAtelescope which is a modified #Boeing747 SP. You can read more here #AvGeek https://theavgeeks.com/2019/02/09/the-worlds-biggest-fire-truck-the-boeing-747-400-global-supertanker/

I have been privileged to be able to fly on some of these specially converted aircraft and there is no more recognisable a #Boeing747 that #AirForceOne. I was fortunate to be given permission by @realDonaldTrump and his team to fly on the aircraft recently. A huge honour for me.

The flight deck of the 747 has some great user interfaces #UI. Did you know the Flap lever is shaped like a flap? The gear lever is shaped like a wheel. Every switch has a unique shape and feel so it can easily be identified in the dark. #Boeing747 #BA747 #BritishAirways747

I have missed birthdays by flying in this jet, celebrated New Year and Christmas whilst airborne and I do not regret one single second of my time spent flying her. It was an absolute privilege and feel honoured to be part of the group that has flown this #aviation Icon. #B747

Thanks for indulging my meander down memory lane. It is slightly odd that I have such a connection to this piece of aluminium, I know. I know I will not be the only one who will miss their iconic shape and tails from @HeathrowAirport and across the globe. #BA747 #Boeing747 #Avgeek