Queen of the Skies - for how long?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Brisbane
Queen of the Skies - for how long?
Another post referred to delays in delivery of the QF A380s and it got me thinking about the gradual disappearance of the 747 - the "Queen of the Skies" - from our part of the world (Brisbane). These days when I see a 747 overhead Brisbane it causes me to stop and watch because there's a feeling that history is passing before me, and my vehicle to many great experiences around the world is, like me, ageing. I know there's a lot still plying the skies in Oz and around the world but I'm wondering how much longer this icon will be around in any numbers. Any thoughts on this from ppruners who would know?
Cheers
dghob
Cheers
dghob
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Sunny side up
We still get both queens, actually, though fewer of each every year 
A lot of operators seem to have switched from 747s to 777s or A330/40s in recent years. I guess that's progress, but 747s are always amazing to watch on takeoff. So are 727s once you get the ear bleeding under control
. I like aircraft that sound like aircraft rather than vacuum cleaners.
A lot of operators seem to have switched from 747s to 777s or A330/40s in recent years. I guess that's progress, but 747s are always amazing to watch on takeoff. So are 727s once you get the ear bleeding under control
. I like aircraft that sound like aircraft rather than vacuum cleaners.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 862
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From: South Pacific
Found it rather amazing at the time (20 years ago), when a retiring Qantas skipper transiting at Nadi came across to look in the cockpit of an ATR to see a 'glass cockpit' as he was going to be out before the 400's came on line. Hasn't time flown..
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Australia
The 747 will remain the Queen in my eyes. The A380 looks like an A340 with a glandular problem - there's just something about the 74 that means I can't look away when I see one landing or climbing out.
The 727 is a bit before my time - but I'll stop what I'm doing to listen to them take off and climb out here at ML (haven't seen one in a while), or CNS on the odd occasion I'm up there.
The 727 is a bit before my time - but I'll stop what I'm doing to listen to them take off and climb out here at ML (haven't seen one in a while), or CNS on the odd occasion I'm up there.
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: NSW
Queen of the Skies
Sorry guys! I have heard the Hawker Hunter referred to as "the Queen of the Skies," and several other beautiful Fighter aircraft.
Of course there can be more than one type bearing such an accolade, but the title can really only refer to true thoroughbreds. It could never apply to a talking baggage, trash hauling, transport type.
I was only saying...
Of course there can be more than one type bearing such an accolade, but the title can really only refer to true thoroughbreds. It could never apply to a talking baggage, trash hauling, transport type.
I was only saying...
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 115
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From: Brisbane
"Of course there can be more than one type bearing such an accolade, but the title can really only refer to true thoroughbreds. It could never apply to a talking baggage, trash hauling, transport type"
...heh..heh..
...heh..heh..
K
Joined: Mar 2009
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 69
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From: X
Sorry guys! I have heard the Hawker Hunter referred to as "the Queen of the Skies," and several other beautiful Fighter aircraft.
Of course there can be more than one type bearing such an accolade, but the title can really only refer to true thoroughbreds. It could never apply to a talking baggage, trash hauling, transport type.
I was only saying...
Of course there can be more than one type bearing such an accolade, but the title can really only refer to true thoroughbreds. It could never apply to a talking baggage, trash hauling, transport type.
I was only saying...
Joined: Jun 1996
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: Check with Ops
Sorry mate, but the Queen of the Skies title can not be applied to some obscure aircraft that very few people have heard of. The 747 will always been the true Queen of the Skies.
Flown the Hunter and the B747 and there's simply no contest. The 747 is lovely but the Hunter kicks its arse in the bid for the title PS: A true pilot not having heard of a Hunter is as unlikely as having never heard of a DC3.
Joined: Mar 2009
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 69
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From: X
