I love this, the 727 was such a workhorse its so nice that this specific plane was saved, restored to flight condition and flown to its retirement. Thats a perfect end of life for a great plane.
Thanks, David. It was a BIG job, but it's nice that knowledgeable folks appreciate it. I gave a 90 minute talk on all the details of the restoration - you can find it on the Museum of Flight's TH-cam channel here: th-cam.com/video/3T4i3eC4kQA/w-d-xo.html
@@bobb.3754 Thank you so much my Husband as a little kid in the 60s now 62 was so lucky to be able to sit in the jump seat of a few of theses along with the 707s. He still has his United and TWA metal pins the Captains gave him the 707 being a Caddy of the skies the 727 was the Muscle jet in his eyes He hopes to see it some time before he moves on.
I was in aviation starting at 16 years old, getting my pilot's license, and then served in the USAF in a fighter recon squadron. I spent time at The Boeing Company and became intimately familiar with Boeing commercial airplanes. I joined the Seattle Flight Museum aviation restoration team and became a lead project person on this unique airplane! It was great being part of the restoration team for this beautiful airplane. I was there from nose to tail, configured the three engines for installation, worked on every system as it resurrected at Paine Field, Everett, Washington. From the first power on to the hydraulic power up and engine run-up. I’ll never forget the sounds, smells, and sights. You get to see the force of hydraulic pressure first hand when tubing in the T-tail stab cradle blew, and a 100-foot rocket of hydraulic fluid spurted in the air! Bob, TC, Steve, Soar, flight crew, and all volunteers, thank you! The Boeing Flight Museum, a big thank you for your preserving the 727 legacies!
@@willgaukler8979 DB Cooper hijacked an unpressurized plane, stayed below 10,000 ft, speed just above stall speed, flaps at 15. He jumped out the back of the 727 with stairs lowered. The plane landed in Rano with the stairs lowered, barely a scrape, was flying the next morning. Many many drops were made in Vietnam, CIA Air America out the back of the 727, back door down at take off. Get in, get out, no time to wait for stairs. Boeing confirmed it could be done, a shallow takeoff or stairs partially down. It is not conjecture.
I worked the Second Officer panel on her (yes, N7001U) but never got to fly her, as by the time I made right seat, all the -100s had been retired by United. I was able to get on the flight from Seatac to Boeing field with my wife and son. I was SEA based, and had just come in from a trip, so we were able to get on that flight. She continued up to Paine where she sat for so long. After that I lfew the 737 for 3 years before I was able to get the right seat of the 727. I flew her for another 7 years before all ours were unceremoniously sent to the desert after 9/11. She remains my favorite, and to this day, those were my best days as an airline pilot. Thanks for the video and all the hard work Bob. : )
My Dad was 30 years with United Airlines. The 727 was his first aircraft out of Newark NJ in 1964. I was in 4th grade at that time. Dad retired 28 years ago as a 747 Captain. He logged 12 million+ miles in his 30 years with United and 13 years USAF. PROUD of my Dad and great memories of time with him. ❤️🤙🏻
I was hired in April of 1963. Worked as a fueler for 6 months then came over to Maintenance from that point to Jan 1, 2003. Great fun, some failures, some success, With some of the most talented mechanics in the world. Parked the first 27 sometime during that time. It was not 7001, but 7002, 01 was in Flight Training. Most pilots loved this aircraft, some thought it was a pain in the ass. Fond memories of the early Boeings And then came the stretched series, My first Lesd was Mike Drabik, in F1 gatehouse. They Put me with Gene Veejay, and he taught me the Veejay method, and I never looked back. Gene's knowledge and honesty was incredible, many of his lessons stayed with me, guys like Frank DeSanto, Hodson, Davy Franco were all instrumental in my success as an Aircraft guy. My heart goes out, especially to Mike, my very first Lead. Had 7001 at my gate so many many times on the NewYork hourly trips, at Gate F2. Thank You Lord for all of these people for removing my head out of my ass many times. Honesty is the best Policy. Mike Festa ORDMM Retired
Great video, I will always remember this airplane. The day it flew into Paine Field, driving past it on my way to work in Everett. Bob Bogash putting the 'word' out at Boeing telling us volunteers were needed for the monumental task to put the airplane into the air for a final trip to Boeing field. And then at the end of my 43 year Boeing career seeing it land at Boeing field in Seattle. One thing about this airplane, It was actually the second 727 to be built, but truly the first to be delivered to any airline. The first 727 was retained by Boeing as a flying testbed. Originally built as a 727-100, It was modified into the 727-200 by installing fuselage plugs forward and aft of the wings and then again to a 727-300 by further extending the fuselage. The -300 concept was dropped by Boeing when further research indicated a completely new airplane would be needed for the future. The original 727 prototype was scrapped in the early 80s having served its purpose. This development cycle brought the world the 757-200.
Thank you Jim for sharing that interesting history of the 727 prototype. Of particular interest was the 727-300 experiment that birthed the 757, a absolute workhorse that is still un- replaceable in 2023.
I recently retired from United as a flight attendant after 42 years. I spent hundreds of hours working on the 727-100, 727QC, and the 727-200. Loved every minute of it!
YOu may have been asked this question a few times, could the early versions, before the cooper vane, actually take off with the airstairs down? I know they can land with the air stairs down, Richard McCoy proved that.
Flew in a 727 a few times. The wings were so clean and it was mesmerizing to see them transform during the landings, with those huge flaps extending. Beautiful airplane
I was the flight engineer on this airplane, N7001U, many times when I flew for United 1986-2015. I recall one flight in about 1987 or so where the captain had a commute home flight to catch at ORD, and had a mere 20 minutes between our scheduled arrival and the departure of his commute flight. We flew at Mach .895 in continuous Mach buffet from RDU to ORD, flew downwind to Runway 27L eastbound at 13,000 feet and 410 knots indicated airspeed. He burned an extra 5,000 lbs of fuel to avoid spending $50 on a hotel room and the night at ORD and commuting home the next day. When we got to the gate at ORD, when the 1 Left cabin door opened, he muscled his way past the passengers and left me and the first officer to complete the block in check list. He made his flight. As the song goes, those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end, but they did.
I delivered the Times to you Terry. I was the kid who pulled the nails from the hundreds of 2 X 4 studs in your yard. After the Navy (aviation), I took the Turbojet Flight Engineer written and oral and began to build seat time with a 135 outfit operating -200's in 1993. There was a time when I was sure I knew every rivet on a 727! All I remember now is her incredible beauty.
What a fitting tribute to my favorite airliner. You treated her right, and I'm blessed to have been able to see her a couple of years ago in the Pavilion, standing proud.
These people achieve what nothing can excite me to tears, when you want something is inevitable. Great restoration and flight work, only for professionals.
Along with the DC9's, the 727's were possibly the most popular aircraft of choice of Australian airlines from the mid-1960's, they were also very popular with many international carriers, so being born at the end of 1959 as young lad, I probably the saw more of these aircraft than any others in the skies above my parent's Sydney home!
I watched this live that day. I can’t believe that was already 6 years ago. I’ve walked thru her a couple times at the museum. Such a phenomenal job these guys did restoring and flying her home. Long live the 727 ❤️
Saw 01U over a decade ago at Paine Field, missing parts and looking a little forlorn. Fantastic to see it back in the air. I flew on many 727s. It is a magnificent airplane. I predicted it would become, "The DC-3 of the jet age," with many flying cargo in the new century. Alas, the speed of technology and the cost of fuel made her old before her time had expired. Thank you for a wonderful video, Sir.
As an United Agent, Supervisor and Station Manager I was part of a ground handling crew in two locations over the years who worked this A/C many times. What a great airplane the 727 was and in some instances, still is.
Thanks for posting. My favourite plane growing up as a kid. It’s all I used to draw as pictures in fact as a child. Loved the look of this plane so elegant. Well done to all involved on the restoration.
Having worked on Boeing aircraft during military service(KC/EC-135 models and B-52G & H models), I can honestly say they were built like tanks. B-52's and some KC-135's are still flying today, a testament to excellent airframe design. The 727 was a great aircraft to fly in, very smooth and got the job done with ease. Excellent video!
Piedmont tried out a 727 around '63 '64. I got to see a test landing at Dublin, VA! What a memory! It was just before I could drive and my dad had to take me. Thanks, Bob, for your work and for this video. Thanks FEDEX for the $$$$$$$$!
Thanks CW. Yes, I was the Boeing Rep at Piedmont for two years - what a great little airline! They leased a 727-100 from Boeing (E4 - N68650) that was sadly lost in a mid-air collision near Ashville NC in July 1967.
@@bobb.3754 Wow! I appreciate your reply! We central/ southwest Virginians loved our Piedmont. best I remember, the Boeing demonstrator for Piedmont was a cream and maroon paint scheme. I assume you know AA still uses the name on some of their regional flights and material. I'm mainly a train freak/railroad historian so I was fascinated when the Norfolk & Western Railway (now part of Norfolk Southern) owned darn near half of Piedmont at one time. They were able to purchase the stock using their butt load of cash made from hauling coal. Be safe!
I remember my first flight onboard a "Friend-Ship" livery United Airlines 727-100 in 1973, Chicago O'Hare to Friend-Ship airport Baltimore (now BWI). The iconic T-tail, the wing with all the high lift flaps and slats, and of course those big ol' JT8-D engines. I didn't stand a chance, fell in love with jet planes in general and the 727 in particular.
Excellent historical video and my favorite Boeing jetliner. I have flown on many 727’s in my lifetime including Continental, Braniff, Eastern, Delta, Northwest, American, and TWA
Great video for the memory of a great airplane ! Now here's my story! Back in 1959 I worked (Ground crew) the first DC-8 out of O'hare in chicago and worked this aircraft many times as it flew into ORD a great aircraft ! Little is said about us ground crew who loaded this and other aircraft of the United Fleet. The importance of loading for weight and balance and the feeling of content when we could safely dispatch a flight for a safe journey of passengers and crew, I also worked the first 747 which was in 1970 out of Ord and the trained all the ground crew on the loading . I also worked and trained the ground crews on the first 767, DC-10, 757, Airbus A320, and 777 prior to my retirement in 1998 working for a great Airline.Now I am 84 years old I feel proud to been a part of history in the Aviation business, Prior to my working with United I served in the United States Airforce As a crew chief on a C-47 from 1954 to 1959 another great part of my career in aviation.
So many parts of this video bring tears to my eyes: roll out, first flight, United flight career, last revenue flight, ferry flight, suffering exposure to the elements on the ramp, new paint, being mercifully towed into the hangar, new engines, testing, crew prep, final flight and landing, fire-hose salutes, and all those people out there to greet her (many, no doubt, associated with her conception, design, manufacture, and flight). But I also have a personal connection to this video and, perhaps, even to this airplane. My father was a test pilot and instructor pilot at Boeing at this time. He always kept three beautiful, professionally-made model airplanes in his office, one of a DC-3 in CAT livery, one of a Constellation, and one of a 727-100 in the yellow and brown Boeing test livery, all of which he flew. He very well may have helped test this very airplane. Later, he also flew the 727-100 and the -200 “stretch” model for an airline. My family used to fly the 727 (with the red stripe on the bottom) regularly to Hawaii, so we may have flown this one. My dad LOVED the 727 & 737, and I got to fly with him-in the cockpit-many times when I was little, which also meant I got to actually fly the airplane a bit, while sitting in his lap. (Don’t freak, people. It was at cruising altitude, with my father’s hand also on the stick, his feet on the rudder pedals, and the co-pilot dutifully standing by. It was a different time back then, and if, back then, you ever saw a little kid go into the cockpit of a passenger jet in the 60s or 70s, I’d bet ANYTHING that that kid was probably “flying” the plane for a few minutes during your flight.) Anyway, the love that so many people have for this airplane is familiar and truly heartwarming to me. (I am also just amazed to see that incredible human beings are behind all the dreams and tech and love in this video. People rock! What curious, creative, busy little creatures we are!) I too share the feeling that these human-made objects seem to have a soul of their own. I LOVED watching her rotate for one last time, even with her flaps frozen at 15 the whole way, and I love knowing that now she brings so much joy, wonder, and fond memories to so many.
I probably flew 30 or so times on the 727 in the seventies and eighties. From flying into San Diego while in the navy to flying home from college at Christmas time, I flew on the 727 than any other passenger plane. Many fond memories of this classic.
Man... so many 727 flights for me over the years between UAL & NWA... always my favorite! (Flew Champion in 2007 just to get a few more 727 rides.). The fact that you restored ship #1 to flying condition to it's rightful new home gives me goosebumps! Nice!
So interesting story, preserving the history of this plane, it is amazing she could be put in flight conditions so many years it had been parked. I’ve been in the US in 1994 and had the pleasure to fly in a 727 from Miami to Laguardia. I was only 14 but used to love airplanes already.
...my last flight n a 727 was between MKE and DTW. in January of 2001 My trip back to Portland was supposed to go through MSP on an A-320 but the aircraft that was to take that leg was fogged in at Memphis. Northwest switched me through Detroit and when I discovered the flight to was a 727-200, I saw the change as a treat rather than an inconvenience. One more flight on the old "three holer". As a second unexpected bonus, from DTW we flew directly over Milwaukee on the westbound leg and seeing my old hometown all lit up was incredible.
My first ever commercial flight was an AA 727 on my way to basic training in 1977. I enjoyed the flight, if not so much the circumstances surrounding it.
Hey Bob, hey Tim, best three holer landing I've ever seen. Tim, you still got the touch! And Bob, very well crafted video production, really smooth and to the points. Very,very enjoyable.
Yes, it took a long time to get most (but not all) of our collection under cover. As for Boeing - the Museum of Flight is an independent entity, altho many people call it "the Boeing Museum", etc. We have lots of non-Boeing airplanes, including the world's best Lockheed collection: www.rbogash.com/kellyairplanes.html In the case of the 727 (and the 737 and the B-52), Boeing had absolutely nothing to do with the restoration and final flight.
Beautiful, you can always tell the difference between the 727-100's and the 200's up , by the center engine cowling. It is oval and the later one's round.
Don't forget the service door just forward of the right wing. The tail skid is longer and they added 10 feet in front and in back of the wing box when building the -200. There are other differences I can't remember. It's been many years since I went to 727 fam school.
I was at BFI ATCT to take photos of her final landing that day, after I got off work. The B727 was my first ride in a jet (LGA-DTW, enroute ORD) back in 1995.
I know it is just an object, but a special one at that. Glad it had a safe life, a short sleep, then back for a final flight and deserved recognition. Boeing made some damn fine aircraft-this being a super fine example of one of them. Thanks to all who made this happen and for caring. Makes a person feel proud!
Man oh man! Next to the old Douglas DC-6Bs, The B727s ("Rectum Rockets") were my favorite planes. I used to work at UAL's Maintenence Operation Center at SFO, back in the 60s and 70s, as a sheetmetal/structural repair mech.
Well done!! My dad has about 4000 hours in the 727 and her variants under Continental and the original Frontier. Told me they would cruise her at about .93 in the good old days then gas became too expensive and they were ordered to pull it back to the high .8s.... He also told me about his flight training theyd take her up to .96- .97 mach so they could feel the buffet of the shockwave!!! She was one hell of a slippery bird and the only one to accidentally go supersonic if i remember right...??
This plane was born the same year as me. 727 was the first commercial plane I flew on and I flew it to Seattle, from Butte around 1970/71. I've loved the 727 ever since. The only thing better in this video would have been the crew departing down the rear stairs. I loved the rear stairs!
727 was my favorite plane to ride in back in the day. Should run this through image stabilization filter to damp down the dizzying shakes. TH-cam has that option through your channel page.
Thanks, Bill. I apologize for the shakes. You see, we had two Go-Pro cameras set up to do the video. Unfortunately, neither functioned. The video you see was taken by me purely for my own record using my phone. My problem was I had my phone in my right hand, my DSLR camera in my left hand, the ATC microphone in my third hand, talking to the pilot and ATC, and.... well, you get the idea. Same situation for the high speed run where I was the co-pilot. In the end, that's "all there was...." I'll look into your suggestion. I disliked the shakes enough to just keep the video on my phone for about 3 years before deciding it needed to get a wider audience and be available for posterity. Hence, the movie. I have been an avid life-long photographer, and have a lot of fancy gear. If I had known what I recorded was going to be the only record, I could have easily done a 1000% better job! You can see lots more history and photos on my website, including a Link to a Museum 90 minute presentation that I gave - see here: www.rbogash.com/ual727tx.htm
Update: TH-cam HAD a de-shake Utility on their site. When I went in to try and use it, I found it had been removed (to much unhappiness) about a year ago. I'll keep working that problem.
It was a workhorse in its day along with the 737 and DC-9 which made jet service available to airports like LaGuardia which could not accommodate the larger four engine planes like the 707 and DC-8. I flew on 727s many times from LGA to and from Chicago and other places.
@@1575murray Thanks, Murray. Actually, the 727 was designed specifically for operation into LGA, which had 5000 ft runways in those days. In fact, it was called the "LGA airplane." That was the origin of its famous high lift devices - leading edge slats and flaps and triple-slotted trailing edge flaps. I was the Boeing Rep at LGA in 1968 and there could easily be 50 or more 727s on the ground there at any one time. Many people (most?) don't remember, but jets were banned from LGA due to noise and safety concerns for years after they began flying into JFK. During the certification program, Boeing flew an airplane (maybe our #1?) into LGA for a demo. A famous story is told about the airplane being on approach, and followed by an EAL Connie from the Shuttle. After a bit, the 727 was told to keep its speed up as it was being over-taken by the "faster" Connie!
@@bobb.3754 Thanks for the reminders of the old days. In the early days of the shuttles to Boston and Washington they used older piston engine planes displaced from longer routes by newer jets. Jets eventually replaced them not long afterwards if I remember. In my younger days I would go to LGA and watch the planes take off and land from the observation deck (no longer allowed after 9/11/01). It was like watching an aircraft carrier with the parade of 727s, DC9s, BAC111s, and other aircraft taking off and landing one after another. I also remember the distinct aroma of jet fuel.
My father flew with United over 30 years and loved the 727. He flew this exact aircraft and said it had a good shimmy you could feel in the cockpit at times.
It’s so sad seeing a plane all shiny on its first roll out and then years later sitting in an Arizona scrapyard with its engines stripped, its wings clipped. 🥺
Thru out the 80s & 90s I must have flown in about every variation of the 727 to every major city in the US, Mexico & Canada as I traveled for the bicycle industry. Moved from LA in 2000 to Seattle and being an airplane nut, I used to take my children to the restoration building in Paine field when you could walk thru a side door on the hanger and wonder around anywhere as these Great Classic Planes were being restored. I can still remember always walking under N700IU when it was outside, with all its massive flaps hanging down and just gathering moss, as I would explain to my two boys how important that airplane was. They are now grown up and they are now airplane nuts like me. After wards on our way home we would stop by the Boeing field to visit 747 City of Everrette to walk under it and see its greatness, as it too sadly sat outside rotting away. When I was kid living in East LA, I got to see what I think was the City of Everrette 747 approach LAX as I lived right under the glidepath. All my friends were into cars, and they thought I lost my mind when I started screaming "LOOK! LOOK! LOOK It's HUGE!! It's the 747!!" My friends couldn't see any difference and told me to calm down... At that time, I only read about it, but I never thought I would see it with my own eyes. I'm so glad they finally found a rightful home.
When I hired into boeing at Everett, I attended mechanical training. One of the training aids was a boeing 727 fuselage. They had a sign stating that was what was left of the first 727. Must have been the first production one off the line vs the prototype?
Flew on both Boeing 727 airplanes with PSA, American, and United Airlines. I did fly on this type of plane from San Francisco to Vancouver Canada in 1986.
The first airplane I ever flew on was an Eastern Airlines 727 in 1975. I've flown on many different aircraft since then but none of them are as beautiful as the 727.
Boeing should still be making these beauties. A very fine airliner they were and one of the best looking craft out there in the 727-100 configuration. Glad this one wasn't scrapped. Very cool.
awesome video, with oldschool 3-people cockpit incl. flight engineer - I had quite some flights with B727s in EU, North and South America, always liked those triple engine steelbirds
Great video!...great team!...great & beautifull airplane!!. Tim's smooth landing... like a small Cessna (was that the S.W.?..OH..OH!...😅), no stick shaker on the first one?. I flew the 737-200, has kind of the same look (fuselage, cockpit, same PW JT8D engines), but the 727 was ahead of it's time. I think probably will never see an airliner so beautifull & performance capable at low & high speeds ever again.
I flew a King Air up to Pain field about 15 years ago and saw her sitting there and the people at the restoration facility told me the story on 01U. Great video except for the shaking around in the cockpit view, that was pretty bad, I started to get motion sickness. I flew up to Boing field 2 years ago and saw her sitting there Next to the prototype 747 and 737, what a beautiful aircraft she is, I have alway loved 727’s
The 727 was the first Jet I flew on. I was 11 years old. It was on a flight from Adelaide to Darwin in 1980. The operator was TAA - Trans Australian Airlines. TAA was eventually bought out by QANTAS and became QANTAS's Australian domestic airline. When the government changed the airline policy re foreign & domestic carriers, all of the TAA aircraft were branded as QANTAS and the TAA name dissolved.
Yeah, but it won't be long before most are gone. There were a few VIP jobs but even they are being retired now. The last plane ever built is still in service, though, with another airplane - they serve as oil spill dispersion spray planes based in the UK. There are also airplanes being used for skydiving and as Zero G vomit comets. So, there will still be a few for quite a few years more.
I love this, the 727 was such a workhorse its so nice that this specific plane was saved, restored to flight condition and flown to its retirement. Thats a perfect end of life for a great plane.
Thanks, David. It was a BIG job, but it's nice that knowledgeable folks appreciate it. I gave a 90 minute talk on all the details of the restoration - you can find it on the Museum of Flight's TH-cam channel here:
th-cam.com/video/3T4i3eC4kQA/w-d-xo.html
@@bobb.3754 Thank you so much my Husband as a little kid in the 60s now 62 was so lucky to be able to sit in the jump seat of a few of theses along with the 707s. He still has his United and TWA metal pins the Captains gave him the 707 being a Caddy of the skies the 727 was the Muscle jet in his eyes He hopes to see it some time before he moves on.
I am glad that this one did not become aluminum cans or lawn chair frames. This beautiful lady deserves to be preserved for the younger generation.
She's still as beautiful today as she was back during her first flight in 1963. A legend a star .
I was in aviation starting at 16 years old, getting my pilot's license, and then served in the USAF in a fighter recon squadron. I spent time at The Boeing Company and became intimately familiar with Boeing commercial airplanes. I joined the Seattle Flight Museum aviation restoration team and became a lead project person on this unique airplane! It was great being part of the restoration team for this beautiful airplane. I was there from nose to tail, configured the three engines for installation, worked on every system as it resurrected at Paine Field, Everett, Washington. From the first power on to the hydraulic power up and engine run-up. I’ll never forget the sounds, smells, and sights. You get to see the force of hydraulic pressure first hand when tubing in the T-tail stab cradle blew, and a 100-foot rocket of hydraulic fluid spurted in the air! Bob, TC, Steve, Soar, flight crew, and all volunteers, thank you! The Boeing Flight Museum, a big thank you for your preserving the 727 legacies!
YOu have probably been asked this question many times. Can the plane take off with the airstairs down?
My family and I visited the Flight Museum last year….and really enjoyed this aircraft! Thank you!
Did you ever meet a man named Martin Vordahl during your time at Boeing?
@@willgaukler8979 DB Cooper hijacked an unpressurized plane, stayed below 10,000 ft, speed just above stall speed, flaps at 15. He jumped out the back of the 727 with stairs lowered. The plane landed in Rano with the stairs lowered, barely a scrape, was flying the next morning. Many many drops were made in Vietnam, CIA Air America out the back of the 727, back door down at take off. Get in, get out, no time to wait for stairs. Boeing confirmed it could be done, a shallow takeoff or stairs partially down. It is not conjecture.
@@willgaukler8979 The DC-9 could also have the stairs lowered, as well as the tail cone removed.
I worked the Second Officer panel on her (yes, N7001U) but never got to fly her, as by the time I made right seat, all the -100s had been retired by United. I was able to get on the flight from Seatac to Boeing field with my wife and son. I was SEA based, and had just come in from a trip, so we were able to get on that flight. She continued up to Paine where she sat for so long. After that I lfew the 737 for 3 years before I was able to get the right seat of the 727. I flew her for another 7 years before all ours were unceremoniously sent to the desert after 9/11. She remains my favorite, and to this day, those were my best days as an airline pilot. Thanks for the video and all the hard work Bob. : )
Great comment and story - Thanks for sharing! Bob
Are you a DB Cooper fan?
My Dad was 30 years with United Airlines. The 727 was his first aircraft out of Newark NJ in 1964. I was in 4th grade at that time. Dad retired 28 years ago as a 747 Captain. He logged 12 million+ miles in his 30 years with United and 13 years USAF. PROUD of my Dad and great memories of time with him. ❤️🤙🏻
How the hell is any pilot tracking his miles flown ? Never heard of that. Flight hours OK but miles flown really ?
@@12345fowlerhis dad is still better than yours
I was hired in April of 1963. Worked as a fueler for 6 months then came over to Maintenance from that point to Jan 1, 2003. Great fun, some failures, some success,
With some of the most talented mechanics in the world. Parked the first 27 sometime
during that time. It was not 7001, but 7002, 01 was in Flight Training. Most pilots loved this aircraft, some thought it was a pain in the ass. Fond memories of the early Boeings
And then came the stretched series, My first Lesd was Mike Drabik, in F1 gatehouse. They
Put me with Gene Veejay, and he taught me the Veejay method, and I never looked back.
Gene's knowledge and honesty was incredible, many of his lessons stayed with me, guys
like Frank DeSanto, Hodson, Davy Franco were all instrumental in my success as an Aircraft guy. My heart goes out, especially to Mike, my very first Lead. Had 7001 at my gate so many many times on the NewYork hourly trips, at Gate F2. Thank You Lord for
all of these people for removing my head out of my ass many times. Honesty is the best
Policy.
Mike Festa
ORDMM Retired
Good Deal, man..(Current LAXMM)
Great video, I will always remember this airplane. The day it flew into Paine Field, driving past it on my way to work in Everett. Bob Bogash putting the 'word' out at Boeing telling us volunteers were needed for the monumental task to put the airplane into the air for a final trip to Boeing field. And then at the end of my 43 year Boeing career seeing it land at Boeing field in Seattle. One thing about this airplane, It was actually the second 727 to be built, but truly the first to be delivered to any airline. The first 727 was retained by Boeing as a flying testbed. Originally built as a 727-100, It was modified into the 727-200 by installing fuselage plugs forward and aft of the wings and then again to a 727-300 by further extending the fuselage. The -300 concept was dropped by Boeing when further research indicated a completely new airplane would be needed for the future. The original 727 prototype was scrapped in the early 80s having served its purpose. This development cycle brought the world the 757-200.
Thank you Jim for sharing that interesting history of the 727 prototype. Of particular interest was the 727-300 experiment that birthed the 757, a absolute workhorse that is still un- replaceable in 2023.
I recently retired from United as a flight attendant after 42 years. I spent hundreds of hours working on the 727-100, 727QC, and the 727-200. Loved every minute of it!
YOu may have been asked this question a few times, could the early versions, before the cooper vane, actually take off with the airstairs down? I know they can land with the air stairs down, Richard McCoy proved that.
Thank you, Bob, for this gem. I appreciate the dedication to my father. Watching brought happy tears.
Flew in a 727 a few times. The wings were so clean and it was mesmerizing to see them transform during the landings, with those huge flaps extending. Beautiful airplane
The most complicated wing ever attached to an airliner!
...I loved sitting just behind the wing to watch those intricate triple slotted flaps extend.
@@bcshelby4926 Me too!
I was the flight engineer on this airplane, N7001U, many times when I flew for United 1986-2015. I recall one flight in about 1987 or so where the captain had a commute home flight to catch at ORD, and had a mere 20 minutes between our scheduled arrival and the departure of his commute flight. We flew at Mach .895 in continuous Mach buffet from RDU to ORD, flew downwind to Runway 27L eastbound at 13,000 feet and 410 knots indicated airspeed. He burned an extra 5,000 lbs of fuel to avoid spending $50 on a hotel room and the night at ORD and commuting home the next day. When we got to the gate at ORD, when the 1 Left cabin door opened, he muscled his way past the passengers and left me and the first officer to complete the block in check list. He made his flight. As the song goes, those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end, but they did.
Great story, Joel! Thanks for sharing it.
This is one of the best aviation videos out there - especially if you loved the Boeing 727 - Bogash and the team did a great job!
Terry Wiseman the 727-200 is my favorite aircraft. Along with the MD-80 and 757-200
Except the cameraman filming the highest speed taxi test
I delivered the Times to you Terry. I was the kid who pulled the nails from the hundreds of 2 X 4 studs in your yard. After the Navy (aviation), I took the Turbojet Flight Engineer written and oral and began to build seat time with a 135 outfit operating -200's in 1993. There was a time when I was sure I knew every rivet on a 727! All I remember now is her incredible beauty.
Bob,
A wonderful tribute to a great airplane and all the volunteers that made this day possible. Thank you!
So that was hot Rod #1. A fitting tribute to a cool 1960s airplane. Thanks for sharing this, well done.
The 727 has always been my favorite aircraft to fly on as a passenger. Have many fond memories of the numerous times I flew on this grand lady.
What a fitting tribute to my favorite airliner. You treated her right, and I'm blessed to have been able to see her a couple of years ago in the Pavilion, standing proud.
These people achieve what nothing can excite me to tears, when you want something is inevitable. Great restoration and flight work, only for professionals.
Funny to remember all those years, I flew this very airplane while working at UAL as a line pilot many years ago.
Along with the DC9's, the 727's were possibly the most popular aircraft of choice of Australian airlines from the mid-1960's, they were also very popular with many international carriers, so being born at the end of 1959 as young lad, I probably the saw more of these aircraft than any others in the skies above my parent's Sydney home!
I watched this live that day. I can’t believe that was already 6 years ago. I’ve walked thru her a couple times at the museum. Such a phenomenal job these guys did restoring and flying her home. Long live the 727 ❤️
Saw 01U over a decade ago at Paine Field, missing parts and looking a little forlorn. Fantastic to see it back in the air. I flew on many 727s. It is a magnificent airplane. I predicted it would become, "The DC-3 of the jet age," with many flying cargo in the new century. Alas, the speed of technology and the cost of fuel made her old before her time had expired. Thank you for a wonderful video, Sir.
Seeing the ol flight engineer position in action was pretty cool considering it's long been negated.
As an United Agent, Supervisor and Station Manager I was part of a ground handling crew in two locations over the years who worked this A/C many times. What a great airplane the 727 was and in some instances, still is.
Lovely landing, lovely aircraft ...
Thanks for posting. My favourite plane growing up as a kid. It’s all I used to draw as pictures in fact as a child. Loved the look of this plane so elegant. Well done to all involved on the restoration.
BIG thanks to UAL and FedEx for saving such a beauty!
Having worked on Boeing aircraft during military service(KC/EC-135 models and B-52G & H models), I can honestly say they were built like tanks. B-52's and some KC-135's are still flying today, a testament to excellent airframe design.
The 727 was a great aircraft to fly in, very smooth and got the job done with ease. Excellent video!
I almost cried when that beautiful bird was left out in the elements. But very happy they restored her! Thank you for the video Bob B.!
We can not replace all of the things and objects on this earth. Many thanks for this great video.
Piedmont tried out a 727 around '63 '64. I got to see a test landing at Dublin, VA! What a memory! It was just before I could drive and my dad had to take me. Thanks, Bob, for your work and for this video. Thanks FEDEX for the $$$$$$$$!
Thanks CW. Yes, I was the Boeing Rep at Piedmont for two years - what a great little airline! They leased a 727-100 from Boeing (E4 - N68650) that was sadly lost in a mid-air collision near Ashville NC in July 1967.
@@bobb.3754 Wow! I appreciate your reply! We central/ southwest Virginians loved our Piedmont. best I remember, the Boeing demonstrator for Piedmont was a cream and maroon paint scheme. I assume you know AA still uses the name on some of their regional flights and material. I'm mainly a train freak/railroad historian so I was fascinated when the Norfolk & Western Railway (now part of Norfolk Southern) owned darn near half of Piedmont at one time. They were able to purchase the stock using their butt load of cash made from hauling coal. Be safe!
I remember my first flight onboard a "Friend-Ship" livery United Airlines 727-100 in 1973, Chicago O'Hare to Friend-Ship airport Baltimore (now BWI). The iconic T-tail, the wing with all the high lift flaps and slats, and of course those big ol' JT8-D engines. I didn't stand a chance, fell in love with jet planes in general and the 727 in particular.
Excellent historical video and my favorite Boeing jetliner. I have flown on many 727’s in my lifetime including Continental, Braniff, Eastern, Delta, Northwest, American, and TWA
Are you a DB Cooper fan?
Great video for the memory of a great airplane ! Now here's my story! Back in 1959 I worked (Ground crew) the first DC-8 out of O'hare in chicago and worked this aircraft many times as it flew into ORD a great aircraft ! Little is said about us ground crew who loaded this and other aircraft of the United Fleet. The importance of loading for weight and balance and the feeling of content when we could safely dispatch a flight for a safe journey of passengers and crew, I also worked the first 747 which was in 1970 out of Ord and the trained all the ground crew on the loading . I also worked and trained the ground crews on the first 767, DC-10, 757, Airbus A320, and 777 prior to my retirement in 1998 working for a great Airline.Now I am 84 years old I feel proud to been a part of history in the Aviation business, Prior to my working with United I served in the United States Airforce As a crew chief on a C-47 from 1954 to 1959 another great part of my career in aviation.
Thanks, Stanley - sounds like you had a great career. Congrats! An important member of the team for sure.
Bob Bogash
@@bobb.3754 Thank you for the recognition ! I guess "Old soldiers never die ! we just fade away !"
So many parts of this video bring tears to my eyes: roll out, first flight, United flight career, last revenue flight, ferry flight, suffering exposure to the elements on the ramp, new paint, being mercifully towed into the hangar, new engines, testing, crew prep, final flight and landing, fire-hose salutes, and all those people out there to greet her (many, no doubt, associated with her conception, design, manufacture, and flight). But I also have a personal connection to this video and, perhaps, even to this airplane. My father was a test pilot and instructor pilot at Boeing at this time. He always kept three beautiful, professionally-made model airplanes in his office, one of a DC-3 in CAT livery, one of a Constellation, and one of a 727-100 in the yellow and brown Boeing test livery, all of which he flew. He very well may have helped test this very airplane. Later, he also flew the 727-100 and the -200 “stretch” model for an airline. My family used to fly the 727 (with the red stripe on the bottom) regularly to Hawaii, so we may have flown this one. My dad LOVED the 727 & 737, and I got to fly with him-in the cockpit-many times when I was little, which also meant I got to actually fly the airplane a bit, while sitting in his lap. (Don’t freak, people. It was at cruising altitude, with my father’s hand also on the stick, his feet on the rudder pedals, and the co-pilot dutifully standing by. It was a different time back then, and if, back then, you ever saw a little kid go into the cockpit of a passenger jet in the 60s or 70s, I’d bet ANYTHING that that kid was probably “flying” the plane for a few minutes during your flight.) Anyway, the love that so many people have for this airplane is familiar and truly heartwarming to me. (I am also just amazed to see that incredible human beings are behind all the dreams and tech and love in this video. People rock! What curious, creative, busy little creatures we are!) I too share the feeling that these human-made objects seem to have a soul of their own. I LOVED watching her rotate for one last time, even with her flaps frozen at 15 the whole way, and I love knowing that now she brings so much joy, wonder, and fond memories to so many.
Thanks for your nice comment. It was a long and hard job but we succeeded!
I was at SFO when 01U buzzed the field before it’s last revenue flight, what a sight!
Still have some ramp pics of the last revenue flight from SFO to SEA back when I was still on the 727. Many entries of her in my logbook.
I probably flew 30 or so times on the 727 in the seventies and eighties. From flying into San Diego while in the navy to flying home from college at Christmas time, I flew on the 727 than any other passenger plane. Many fond memories of this classic.
Man... so many 727 flights for me over the years between UAL & NWA... always my favorite! (Flew Champion in 2007 just to get a few more 727 rides.). The fact that you restored ship #1 to flying condition to it's rightful new home gives me goosebumps! Nice!
A bittersweet moment in aviation history. Thank you, Bob!
So interesting story, preserving the history of this plane, it is amazing she could be put in flight conditions so many years it had been parked. I’ve been in the US in 1994 and had the pleasure to fly in a 727 from Miami to Laguardia. I was only 14 but used to love airplanes already.
...my last flight n a 727 was between MKE and DTW. in January of 2001 My trip back to Portland was supposed to go through MSP on an A-320 but the aircraft that was to take that leg was fogged in at Memphis.
Northwest switched me through Detroit and when I discovered the flight to was a 727-200, I saw the change as a treat rather than an inconvenience. One more flight on the old "three holer".
As a second unexpected bonus, from DTW we flew directly over Milwaukee on the westbound leg and seeing my old hometown all lit up was incredible.
My first ever commercial flight was an AA 727 on my way to basic training in 1977. I enjoyed the flight, if not so much the circumstances surrounding it.
But 727 is my favourite jet and you guys have done a good job to retain her! Thank you
My favorite too! First aircraft I remember ever flying on (7 years old).
12:47 The two most beautiful airplanes in the world, Piper Aerostar and Boeing 727 together in one shot. Awesome, absolutely awesome!!!!
Hey Bob, hey Tim, best three holer landing I've ever seen. Tim, you still got the touch! And Bob, very well crafted video production, really smooth and to the points. Very,very enjoyable.
...flew on 727s a lot both the -100 and -200. Always loved them. So wonderful they were able to restore her and bring her home.
I remember flying several times in the ones that Australian airlines used to operate. Such an amazing aircraft.
Great flying - a real story from the cockpit!
nice to see it under covers :) makes me sad when i see aircraft outside left to rot. bravo boeing!
Yes, it took a long time to get most (but not all) of our collection under cover. As for Boeing - the Museum of Flight is an independent entity, altho many people call it "the Boeing Museum", etc. We have lots of non-Boeing airplanes, including the world's best Lockheed collection: www.rbogash.com/kellyairplanes.html
In the case of the 727 (and the 737 and the B-52), Boeing had absolutely nothing to do with the restoration and final flight.
God I feel old, I remember when these were lined up at Washington National Airport back in the day and night
This video inspired me to fix my Antonov 224 .It's been sitting in my back yard for awhile!
One cool thing about the Three Holer...it had speed, and lot's of it!
First commercial flight ever was on a 727 when I was a kid. Will always remember that.
Beautiful, you can always tell the difference between the 727-100's and the 200's up , by the center engine cowling. It is oval and the later one's round.
Don't forget the service door just forward of the right wing. The tail skid is longer and they added 10 feet in front and in back of the wing box when building the -200. There are other differences I can't remember.
It's been many years since I went to 727 fam school.
Lovely memories
Great job! Sorry to see the 72 set out to pasture. Spent 7 great years flying it.
Love the paint job-United should start using it again-very clean looking.
I was at BFI ATCT to take photos of her final landing that day, after I got off work. The B727 was my first ride in a jet (LGA-DTW, enroute ORD) back in 1995.
I know it is just an object, but a special one at that. Glad it had a safe life, a short sleep, then back for a final flight and deserved recognition. Boeing made some damn fine aircraft-this being a super fine example of one of them. Thanks to all who made this happen and for caring. Makes a person feel proud!
Man oh man! Next to the old Douglas DC-6Bs, The B727s ("Rectum Rockets") were my favorite planes. I used to work at UAL's Maintenence Operation Center at SFO, back in the 60s and 70s, as a sheetmetal/structural repair mech.
What a beautiful airplane, I had the privilege of flying on 727's many times and enjoyed it every time. THANKS for the video!
Well done!! My dad has about 4000 hours in the 727 and her variants under Continental and the original Frontier. Told me they would cruise her at about .93 in the good old days then gas became too expensive and they were ordered to pull it back to the high .8s.... He also told me about his flight training theyd take her up to .96- .97 mach so they could feel the buffet of the shockwave!!! She was one hell of a slippery bird and the only one to accidentally go supersonic if i remember right...??
Well, this just brought tears to my eyes... Happy retirement, 727!
That last shutdown was like an execution.
I wish Boeing would bring back a new version of the 727.
This plane was born the same year as me. 727 was the first commercial plane I flew on and I flew it to Seattle, from Butte around 1970/71. I've loved the 727 ever since. The only thing better in this video would have been the crew departing down the rear stairs. I loved the rear stairs!
727 was my favorite plane to ride in back in the day.
Should run this through image stabilization filter to damp down the dizzying shakes. TH-cam has that option through your channel page.
Thanks, Bill. I apologize for the shakes. You see, we had two Go-Pro cameras set up to do the video. Unfortunately, neither functioned. The video you see was taken by me purely for my own record using my phone. My problem was I had my phone in my right hand, my DSLR camera in my left hand, the ATC microphone in my third hand, talking to the pilot and ATC, and.... well, you get the idea. Same situation for the high speed run where I was the co-pilot. In the end, that's "all there was...." I'll look into your suggestion.
I disliked the shakes enough to just keep the video on my phone for about 3 years before deciding it needed to get a wider audience and be available for posterity. Hence, the movie.
I have been an avid life-long photographer, and have a lot of fancy gear. If I had known what I recorded was going to be the only record, I could have easily done a 1000% better job!
You can see lots more history and photos on my website, including a Link to a Museum 90 minute presentation that I gave - see here: www.rbogash.com/ual727tx.htm
Update: TH-cam HAD a de-shake Utility on their site. When I went in to try and use it, I found it had been removed (to much unhappiness) about a year ago. I'll keep working that problem.
It was a workhorse in its day along with the 737 and DC-9 which made jet service available to airports like LaGuardia which could not accommodate the larger four engine planes like the 707 and DC-8. I flew on 727s many times from LGA to and from Chicago and other places.
@@1575murray Thanks, Murray. Actually, the 727 was designed specifically for operation into LGA, which had 5000 ft runways in those days. In fact, it was called the "LGA airplane." That was the origin of its famous high lift devices - leading edge slats and flaps and triple-slotted trailing edge flaps. I was the Boeing Rep at LGA in 1968 and there could easily be 50 or more 727s on the ground there at any one time.
Many people (most?) don't remember, but jets were banned from LGA due to noise and safety concerns for years after they began flying into JFK. During the certification program, Boeing flew an airplane (maybe our #1?) into LGA for a demo. A famous story is told about the airplane being on approach, and followed by an EAL Connie from the Shuttle. After a bit, the 727 was told to keep its speed up as it was being over-taken by the "faster" Connie!
@@bobb.3754 Thanks for the reminders of the old days. In the early days of the shuttles to Boston and Washington they used older piston engine planes displaced from longer routes by newer jets. Jets eventually replaced them not long afterwards if I remember. In my younger days I would go to LGA and watch the planes take off and land from the observation deck (no longer allowed after 9/11/01). It was like watching an aircraft carrier with the parade of 727s, DC9s, BAC111s, and other aircraft taking off and landing one after another. I also remember the distinct aroma of jet fuel.
Brings a tear !! Thank you for saving her !!
The 727 is a Legend. Enjoyed , very much, as a passenger on this fine aircraft.
My father flew with United over 30 years and loved the 727. He flew this exact aircraft and said it had a good shimmy you could feel in the cockpit at times.
Kind of chokes me up a little. One of my father's favorite pieces of equipment that he flew with UAL 🙂
Amazing!!! great job on saving the 727!!
It’s so sad seeing a plane all shiny on its first roll out and then years later sitting in an Arizona scrapyard with its engines stripped, its wings clipped. 🥺
Great video. I along with others will sure miss this old bird.
Thru out the 80s & 90s I must have flown in about every variation of the 727 to every major city in the US, Mexico & Canada as I traveled for the bicycle industry. Moved from LA in 2000 to Seattle and being an airplane nut, I used to take my children to the restoration building in Paine field when you could walk thru a side door on the hanger and wonder around anywhere as these Great Classic Planes were being restored. I can still remember always walking under N700IU when it was outside, with all its massive flaps hanging down and just gathering moss, as I would explain to my two boys how important that airplane was. They are now grown up and they are now airplane nuts like me. After wards on our way home we would stop by the Boeing field to visit 747 City of Everrette to walk under it and see its greatness, as it too sadly sat outside rotting away. When I was kid living in East LA, I got to see what I think was the City of Everrette 747 approach LAX as I lived right under the glidepath. All my friends were into cars, and they thought I lost my mind when I started screaming "LOOK! LOOK! LOOK It's HUGE!! It's the 747!!" My friends couldn't see any difference and told me to calm down... At that time, I only read about it, but I never thought I would see it with my own eyes. I'm so glad they finally found a rightful home.
Thanks, Daniel. I appreciate your comments and your shared passion. You are one of "us."
Beautiful video honoring a great piece of art.
Old birds are in a class of their own. She absolutely stunning.
Iconic aircraft and great making of engeniring preserved and disponible congratulations
Looking very nice... Thank you for sharing.
A timeless high performance beauty!
A great old bird!! I wonder why they never retracted the landing gear! Compressor stall on first and last flights!!very interesting and so cool!!
Wonderful to see that beautiful B727. Aussie Bob 😊😊😊
When I hired into boeing at Everett, I attended mechanical training. One of the training aids was a boeing 727 fuselage. They had a sign stating that was what was left of the first 727. Must have been the first production one off the line vs the prototype?
That was E2 -the second airplane - N72700. Her complete story and photos here: www.rbogash.com/e2_e3.html
Bob Bogash
Pretty girl.... thanks for posting! Nice that they preserved this lovely lady for people to enjoy.
That was beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Flew on both Boeing 727 airplanes with PSA, American, and United Airlines. I did fly on this type of plane from San Francisco to Vancouver Canada in 1986.
Flew in a 727 a few times. . . Loved it, especially compared to the DC9
I liked that the photo plane was an Aerostar. A different kind of flying, altogether.
The first airplane I ever flew on was an Eastern Airlines 727 in 1975. I've flown on many different aircraft since then but none of them are as beautiful as the 727.
I enjoyed that camera view of the plane taxing, I thought 'well, either it's the plane or its the gentleman holding it'. ;)
boeings masterpeice
Boeing should still be making these beauties. A very fine airliner they were and one of the best looking craft out there in the 727-100 configuration. Glad this one wasn't scrapped. Very cool.
awesome video, with oldschool 3-people cockpit incl. flight engineer - I had quite some flights with B727s in EU, North and South America, always liked those triple engine steelbirds
Great video!...great team!...great & beautifull airplane!!. Tim's smooth landing... like a small Cessna (was that the S.W.?..OH..OH!...😅), no stick shaker on the first one?. I flew the 737-200, has kind of the same look (fuselage, cockpit, same PW JT8D engines), but the 727 was ahead of it's time. I think probably will never see an airliner so beautifull & performance capable at low & high speeds ever again.
As a new hire, I got to spend my first two years in the right seat. Quite possibly the best two years of my career.
I flew a King Air up to Pain field about 15 years ago and saw her sitting there and the people at the restoration facility told me the story on 01U. Great video except for the shaking around in the cockpit view, that was pretty bad, I started to get motion sickness. I flew up to Boing field 2 years ago and saw her sitting there Next to the prototype 747 and 737, what a beautiful aircraft she is, I have alway loved 727’s
The 727 was the first Jet I flew on. I was 11 years old. It was on a flight from Adelaide to Darwin in 1980. The operator was TAA - Trans Australian Airlines. TAA was eventually bought out by QANTAS and became QANTAS's Australian domestic airline. When the government changed the airline policy re foreign & domestic carriers, all of the TAA aircraft were branded as QANTAS and the TAA name dissolved.
I have never cried so much😢
Same here. Very nostalgic.
The 727 was a great plane. A few are still flying, in cargo service at least.
Yeah, but it won't be long before most are gone. There were a few VIP jobs but even they are being retired now. The last plane ever built is still in service, though, with another airplane - they serve as oil spill dispersion spray planes based in the UK. There are also airplanes being used for skydiving and as Zero G vomit comets. So, there will still be a few for quite a few years more.
Great job!