I never flew the 747, but flew in it several times, and respect it hugely. It was truly a game changer.
I am an avowed Airbus FBW fan, but the Boeing 747 is such a brilliant and iconic airplane. It was just perfect for the time, and has proved its worth over decades.
I still treasure my copy of Handling the big jets, by Mr Davies, with the fold out, colour diagram of the 747 classic; with its four hydraulic systems etc.
I salute Boeing for the 747 !
Like the Fender Stratocaster guitar, and the Ford V8 Mustang; it is an example of something American that is so perfectly right, it has lasted for decades.