The City of Everett prototype 747-100 still wears her original registration tail # N747-0 while sitting unobtrusively in a parking lot off of Seattle's Boeing Field.

So much has been written about this aircraft, there's little, if nothing I can add! Only to say, the "City of Everett", THE 747 prototype paved the way for increasing the enjoyment of air travel world-wide. Now this once elegant airliner sits in a corner almost forgotten. This version is a "100" model noted by the the 3-portholes in what most airlines configured as an upstairs first-class lounge in the early 70's. A bar and club-seating was very common during this era. Later, with the bean-counters scrutinizing such frivolties, additional coach or business-class seating was added to increase "revenue mile." This aircraft's first-flight was Feb 9th, 1969, the year I started kindergarten!

Well past her prime, but still the sleekest and sophisticated of all airliners, The Concorde, tail #G-BOAG at her final landing in Seattle's Boeing Field. I'm glad that admission to the museum includes an optional tour of this aircraft, but one must obtain a "Concorde boarding pass" available on a limited basis. Capacity is controlled which makes touring enjoyable and not an "elbowing" hassle!

Today being the 60th anniversary of D-Day, The Museum of Flight is dedicating a new wing. I zipped over to the festivities to check-out the newest icon as well, a now retired and defunct British Airways Concorde, G-BOAG. Many don't realize what an honor it was for the M.O.F. here in Seattle to obtain this aircraft for archival viewing. From what I understand, it's permanent residency has increased attendance significantly. And for me being the aviation nutt, it was as good as going to Disney! Also of very important (but somewhat forgotten in our techie age), is the first Boeing 747 to fly. It's been on display for years, but for me it brought back many memories of going to the airport picking-up family members who would arrive on TWA and Pan Am 747's...remember these "iconic" airlines, also victims of a changing economy and too slow to change. Not to mention investment bankers of the greedy and go-go, merger-mania 80's who knew breaking-up airlines was worth more than owning one!