Some 747 memories, as SLF:
- In the 1970s I was at school west of Heathrow. In summer the early 747s could not make the airways climb gradient westbound fully loaded. The CAA dropped the airway lower limit from, I think 3500 feet, to 2500 feet to allow them to stagger off over the Atlantic. We got to see them up close!
- Prior to the 747-400 there was a secret sleeping compartment in economy. The very last centre row of five seats was set slightly forward of the bulkhead (to allow them to tilt). You could take a couple of blankets and a pillow and lie on the floor across that two foot gap behind those seats in full stretch comfort. Much used by me on cross Pacific flights, and a lot cheaper than business.
- Around 20 years ago (I think) The Economist newspaper published its list of "The Seven Wonders of the Modern World". One was: the most complex mass produced machine. It was the 747.
So I salute all the people that designed, worked on or crewed the 747.