I Flew on the World's OLDEST Boeing 737. Here's What Happened...

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I took a flight on the world's oldest Boeing 737, over 45 years old. Here's what happened.
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[@Marcho978]

The crazy thing is, the workers who put the rivets into that machine, watched it leave the factory in the 1970s are probably all retired or have passed on. The work of their hands however, is alive and well in a part of the world they could have never imagined

[@southaussiegarbo2054]

Most would probably be 70-80 now

[@grahamcracker659]

this is very scare, my cat sad

[@APDM_Analysis]

Probably put it together much better than 2010s Boeing

[@OliverHerridge]

@@grahamcracker659 same white my cat

[@PaulAtreidesMuadDib]

@@APDM_Analysis Definitely better than today's DEI 737 Maxs

[@thaimaxcan]

The 737-200 was a great plane. Remember, Boeing was run by engineers and built by employees that loved planes. Now, only profits for shareholders counts

[@zm321]

and one of the most versatile airliners in the world when fitted with the gravel kit.

[@JR-ut2ne]

Boeing always build planes for profit lol. And the older 737s had their fair share of design flaws as well. I agree that Boeings corporate culture nowadays sucks but let’s not pretend like it’s been all sunshine and roses in the „good old days“.

[@1paulgood]

FYI… a 737, newest to oldest, take off somewhere in the world every 3.5 seconds… let that sink in. Every single one of them are designed and built by some of the best engineers and workers in aerospace

[@123blarson]

​@@x689thanatos I just flew on a Max 8 for 4 1/2 hours and it was like a Cadillac compared to the 737-700 for the connecting flight.

[@liambengif7663]

Uhh the rudder PCU had its problems.2 fatal crashes from it I call it the OG max . But it was not exactly Boeings fault it was the hydraulic actuator makers fault

[@MrSuzuki1187]

At 3:38 minute you see a United Boeing 737-200 N9025U, which was built in 1968. I flew that very airplane for United dozens of times when I was on that fleet from 1990 to 2000. I loved the 737-200 and flying it was like I was still flying in General Aviation as it had the same analog guages as the Cessna I flew on my days off. As I type this in my office, the entire forward instrument panel for United's N9019U/9619 and its log book are on my book shelf not 5 feet away. I was the last United captain to fly it before it went to the boneyard in 1998 and a friend retrieved it for me. The fun ended when I upgraded to the B-757/767 fleet and their all glass cockpits.

[@KuostA]

what an incredible career and life you've had! I'm jealous. wow. what did u do after UA? do u still fly privately? so u preferred flying the 732 to the 75/76?

[@Gic424_YT]

Wow

[@truthserum5310]

The old steam gauge 737-200's are cool and all, but how could you have not had fun flying a 757? I call them muscle jets. Those to me are the most fun to fly.

[@ErikRudolph-v8k]

You're not wrong..I loved the 200 too, southwest and united right before they were retired..the planes I miss the most though are 727s and the saab 340s and the j40/j30s...don't even get me started with Soviet planes!

[@JamesSpencer-f7u]

The 737-200s are still flown in the arctic, equipprd with gravel-runway kits. the 200's were the "army tank" of airliners. very reliable & durable aircraft.

[@leokimvideo]

Honestly I would trust this old simple 737 design Vs what Boeing are producing with the Max era 737's

[@LOLTV-rt5dw]

Plus VS the pilots who land a plane to hit a concrete wall at the end of a runway.

[@nicholas5129]

For some reason those old JT8D-1 engines look incredibly sleek compared to present day 737 engines. Yes, they are louder, less powerful and more fuel-consuming, but they look way better.

[@AviationLBA]

@@nicholas5129 They certainly look way better, and they sound way better!

[@makochin]

the 737 max is just the same plane with some updates. It's fundamentally the same plane.

[@MrMuaythai84]

@@nicholas5129 today egine mind as well call it the DEI ENGINES

[@garypardoe2364]

Hi Noel, I am pleased to see that this aircraft has had the Lap Joint (Butt strap) Repair done (Visible@4:52,) This was done as a service bulletin on all of these 737's after the Aloha flight 243 Incident in 1990 when the Crown skin peeled away due to corrosion between the fuselage skin joints.. back in the 90's when i was an airframe fitter i was involved in a couple of these repairs so it was kinda nice to see this one still operating.. All the best.. Gary.

[@tinus411]

I was wondering if that was a preventive repair because of the aloha flight. Thanks for the answer. I thought only the 100 series were vulnerable.

[@gmugrumbach]

I noticed that additional modification but wasn't sure what it was about. Thank you!

[@agentm13]

It still wasn’t the oldest 737 passenger

[@mugshotmarley]

that repair must've added a bunch of weight to the aircraft

[@dennisreynolds6915]

I bet you got a nice steamin lap hog Gary. Thanks for your story of history

[@dounass92]

As a Venezuelan AvGeek, this is GOLD. I grew up flying on those same planes, having been born in the '90s. We used to fly those 200s all the way to Miami with Avior until 2014. For me, unfortunately, they will always be a reminder of the "fall from grace" our aviation industry has experienced. Our original flag carrier, Viasa, is remembered as the benchmark of a nostalgic golden age of Venezuelan aviation. I absolutely love your perspective-this nostalgic view of the history behind these stunning planes. Thank you for helping me see them in a more positive light. I live abroad now and miss those amazing "tin cans." I’ve always been a bit afraid of them, but it’s worth noting that there hasn’t been a hull-loss accident involving a Venezuelan airline since 2008. Something is working, and I believe that’s thanks, in part, to the incredible engineers with vast experience maintaining these planes. Kudos to them all! THANK YOU for going and exploring our skies. Maiquetia International Terminal with it's long, beautiful Cruz-Diez art piece at the check-in area will always be a magical place for me.

[@jamesgay3207]

This must testament to design and engineering that it's still flying. Great video.

[@CockpitScenes]

Glad it didn't turn into a convertible...

[@porcelainthunder2213]

Mostly all mechanical and analog. Simple and repairable. You won’t be able to do this with fly-by-wire planes thanks to the electronics.

[@ElPierdolito]

A lot of duct-tape will get you far :D

[@OverEast34]

Back when Boeing cared more about innovation and quality rather than just profits.

[@AlexWatson-t1f]

@@OverEast34 🎯

[@bigmuggs123]

What I really enjoy and appreciate is the fact most people climbing aboard that plane would A) be disgusted and B) be terrified. You the legend is delighted and not at all put off! One of the reasons why I and most watching love you and your videos so much. Thanks Noel.

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ProT3ch]

When I flew to Buenos Aires earlier this year I was really considering Lufthansa as they were flying Boeing 747 on that route, but decided against it as it was way more expensive than Air France. Later on the trip I met some Germans who were on that plane and all were complaining what an outdated piece of shit that plane was and how Lufthansa has fallen. It must have been a 747-400. Yeah most people will see the outdated cabin and complain, even if they were flying some of the last remaining Boeing 747 still in service.

[@joananas7648]

„Worst case, we finish this journey by boat“ 😂

[@TeunLos]

That line was so funny😂

[@uzmaahmed.catmoon]

Loved that.

[@fetzie23]

Hey that’s content nobody else would have 😂

[@StratoReinXeed]

An optimistic take

[@Ex0rz]

Id say the worst case would be finishing the journey in a coffin :D

[@davidking8361]

I flew Southwest back in 1977. Boy did this bring back a lot of cherished memories. I was 13 years old at the time and I was flying with my friend. We flew back and forth from San Antonio to Dallas every summer. No parents with us! We were kids, and nobody could stop us. Our moms drove us to the airport. Boy, we were grand!

[@joegrim8322]

My first flight ever, at 10 years old, was SFO to Disneyland in 1969 on an Air California 737-200. I retired last year as a 737-800/900 Capt at Delta Air Lines. I must say my friend, you have a lot of guts to get on that thing. I do love your enthusiasm though!!

[@phyllislowry6265]

My first flight was on a Pan Am prop to Ft Lauderdale FL. I was 6 yrs old. I asked the "stewardess" where the angels were as I looked out at the clouds!

[@Kellyyy44]

Thank you for your service!

[@joegrim8322]

@@phyllislowry6265 That's great, those things are indelibly marked in your memory. I saved my cup from my OJ and a soap from the lav.

[@joegrim8322]

@GamingWithMaddog64 Actually I spent 8 years in the US Air Force before Delta

[@joegrim8322]

@GamingWithMaddog64 Yes of course. From a kid's perspective, we were landing in Disneyland. It wasn't named John Wayne until 1979.

[@TheRafaelRamos]

Such a beauty! The 737-200 is truly a testament of resilience, a well designed aircraft that has proven its reliability over the years. Great video Noel and thanks for visiting my country! 🤘😎

[@nimedave]

As an ex BA engineer who worked on these back in the day, this video was very nostalgic. They were tough little planes and a pig to work on in some ways, but I agree that people should fly on these whilst they can. Such a shame you couldn’t get a flight deck video.

[@prophetsnake]

Yeah, a pig. Not like that engineering dream the 1-11 right?

[@jeffmurphree2937]

The oldest plane I flew on commercially was a WWII Grumman sea plane between St Thomas to St Croix, US VI. I was 15 years old and got to fly in the co-pilots seat. Immediately after takeoff, the captain got to cruise altitude and set his alarm on his wristwatch. He then closed his eyes and went to sleep. 10 minutes later, the alarm on his wrist watch sounded, the pilot woke up and landed. I LOVED it!!!

[@tunkunrunk]

thanks God you didn't try mess up with buttons , switches and lever as he was sleeping

[@twiff3rino28]

@@tunkunrunk I should hope by 15 he'd know better...

[@xavilend]

I've been binge watching your channel for the last two weeks, and I've realised, I still don't care about the planes, but you're such a pleasure to watch! Keep up the great work

[@noelphilips]

Glad you like them!

[@TheHorsebox2]

Yes, love his presentation. A great channel.

[@FastGuy1]

Me too! I’ve binge watched all of Noel’s videos during the past month! He’s such a breath of fresh air. He’s always being positive which is something our society lacks today. Noel keep it up man! Love the videos

[@jusalii]

@@FastGuy1love u sm

[@FastGuy1]

@@jusalii ? 🤣

[@pabloiturbe5788]

Omg I’m Venezuelan and it’s crazy how old these planes are. But I’m glad to see you making videos

[@AdamJ09303]

As I stepped on this piece of "history" 😂😂 Noel definitely had me thinking he was gonna say sh**

[@ElPierdolito]

ehehe I had the same thought.

[@lotfikerzabi1880]

same

[@GoldCoastGuy82]

There was a suspicious pause in that statement 😂

[@angusmcintosh1857]

I think that was Noel playing with us a bit there

[@AviationLBA]

Old western airliners are incredibly robust, better than anything today. You won’t get 737 MAXs, 787s or A350s flying for 40-50 years.

[@dr7246]

I get your emotional connection to that 737. I have such fond childhood memories of the L10-11. A plane that I’ll never experience again

[@yamajammer76]

When I was in the Iraq war in 2004 I flew home for my 15 day R&R in an L1011 all the way across the ocean in a chartered flight. The old bird was a very comfortable ride home.

[@AviationLBA]

⁠@@yamajammer76 It was probably an old ATA bird that you flew on. They had a troop-transport contract with the US military for many years.

[@yamajammer76]

@@AviationLBA It was ATA.

[@Zweistein92]

I thought he said "and we pushed back to what could be my very last flight..." At least that's what I thought, according to the looks of this plane 😂🙈

[@jacobyalfa]

@@Zweistein92 🤣

[@reLAXbro13]

This is cool! I recently started flying the 737 800/900, and it’s crazy to see the similarities and differences. The low bypass engines, lack of winglets, and look how straight that wing is! Crazy to look at the iterations of the same airframe over almost 6 decades. Keep up the great work Noel, hope to have you as a passenger one day

[@lroke2947]

::The low bypass engines...:: My first thought seeing them was that, god, they've had to bring out the spares... 😋 It's just that it's been so long since I last saw them.

[@KevinJones-qp9er]

Now if this is not called addicted to aviation i dont know what is , love it Noel !!!!!

[@johndunstan3875]

The things you do Noel for our entertainment. Please do a flight on any remaining Boeing 727s.

[@AviationLBA]

There are no remaining passenger 727s. Iran Aseman retired the last ones in 2019.

[@johndunstan3875]

@@AviationLBA Oh no thanks. I flew on one at YMML maximum weight. We used every inch of runway 34. That thing was a rocket ship.

[@grahamvincent6977]

I was so heartened by your enthusiasm at the decrepit state of the aeroplane: you still loved it! I'm a steam fan and for me, it's face out the window, smuts in your eye and the smell of smoke in your nostrils: uncomfortable, inconvenient, and loving it.

[@Bacchusmbt]

You’re a brave man, Noel.

[@fireflyrobert]

As a retired pilot I can tell you my favourite jet to fly was the B737-200.

[@CockpitScenes]

I never flew that one, except on my evaluation ride to get hired. I did fly -300, -500 ,-700, -800, -900, -900ER. Except for the steam gauges, I thought the -300 was the easiest to fly and land plane I have ever flown. Of the newer ones, the -700 was best on short runways. My overall favorite was the -900ER. The -900 was the worst by far.

[@bardo0007]

And they are so easy to fly, at least in my Microsoft FS simulator. 😉

[@wendlit]

✊

[@bigmungus4864]

Do you miss flying ?

[@PARABOLA1966]

How cool is that. As an A&P doing heavy C checks mainly in B737-400/700/800, I despise working on 737 classics, especially doing corrosion control on fuel tanks, and -aarrrggg-APU removals/reinstalls. Nevertheless, they don't build them like that, anymore.

[@laszloilles5663]

The vibe of your voice romanticized the importance of a 737-200. I loved it. I was always a fan of that plane because my country Hungary started the western era with these birds in the MALÉV fleet, but now you made it more closer to my heart with your (hopefully not) last trip on this old workhorse. 🇭🇺

[@christasmith6004]

noel i admire you on some of these older aircraft because without sounding over dramatic you are somewhat potentially risking your life, so thank you for the content.

[@UnusSedLeo-w5l]

I started my aviation history as a child on a Transavia 707 to Spain, somewhere in 1975. Love these old birds from times long ago. I know they are now kept in service because some companies can't afford newer aircraft, but it is a joy to see a 737-200 up in the sky, with all the leaks, holes and scratches included.

[@wainber1]

I remember when regular economy class (REC) on various flights didn't have thick dividers between seats. A September 2018 flight to London Heathrow from Toronto Pearson featured an REC seat with such a thick divider that for the flight back home I would choose a much wider business-class seat and not regret the choice one bit.

[@HibijibiCraft]

Had 4 flights the past few weeks and have always been a bit nervous. Watched a couple of your videos before boarding and while flying and it really helped. Always nice to see others doing something like flying and being so casual about it. (Saved this one for after landing haha) Thank you!

[@noelphilips]

Great to hear!

[@benjohnsmith]

This is the type of video that makes me enjoy your content so much. Quirky flights like this are thoroughly entertaining to watch.

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mick-berry5331]

​@@noelphilipsShows that a 46 year old pice of machinery can still be going strong if well (?) maintained. I am feeling pretty good at 68,too, after all.😅

[@beckymunro2071]

I've flown on Delta's MD 88 and 717. While part of me was wishing I was on that shiny new A350, I thoroughly enjoyed riding on a plane that would soon be almost impossible to find in North America. Sitting in the back row, and hearing those engines, looking around the cabin and seeing all the wear and tear from over the years, you really could feel the history of those old birds.

[@QuicknStraight]

While living and working in India, from 2001-2005, I flew on the one remaining Air India B737-200 several times. It often seemed to be assigned to the last flight of the day between Mumbai and Delhi. The best thing was that the interior still had the original seats, in an all economy configuration. The old tubular frame seats, recovered a few times no doubt, but never replaced with newer seats. It used to rattle down the runway on takeoff and was very loud. Great fun to fly on!

[@mick-berry5331]

My first flight was on an Austrian Airlines Caravelle in 1968, going from Vienna to Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. The service was very good, warm food served on porcelain plates and real glasses. Last two or three rows in the back were smoking seats. 😅

[@QuicknStraight]

@@mick-berry5331 Yeah, I remember the old days of smoking in the rear few rows of seats!

[@VanessaMcIntosh]

You are truly brave to take to the skies in such an older Boeing 737. Your courage is needed to face the challenges of an aging aircraft and to dare to pursue your flying dreams. 👍

[@huntermurphylaw]

There is a lot of nostalgia in the exact sounds this plane made in the air and upon landing. 12:24

[@suefitz2498]

I love this ❤. They don’t build ‘em like they used to. Nothing better than some vintage flash back to last century…lol ❤❤❤

[@gregorymckenna6609]

Age doesn’t matter as long as maintenance and repairs are kept up. That being said, some airlines who only fly within one country sometimes cut corners with maintenance

[@dehavillandcanadatwinotter9621]

Yeah, it depends which country is maintaining it that would affect my confidence. If it’s a 60 year old plane being maintained by engineers in Canada, US, Europe, or a country like Japan, then I trust it. But if it’s a country in economic turmoil like Venezuela or a country with a poor safety record like Indonesia I’d feel a bit more concerned.

[@charlesc.9012]

Like the other guy said, a DC-3 flying for a good European or Canadian carrier will still be fine; The newer models flying with Aeroflot and some obscure Zimbabwean airline: not so much

[@NathanLJustice]

@@charlesc.9012 My dad (US Navy defense attaché) flew Aeroflot many times when we were living in Moscow in the early 90s. He has some hair raising tales.

[@gargoyle7863]

My concern is not the over 45 year old plane, but the maintenance of broke Venezuela.

[@agentm13]

But it’s still not the oldest passenger 737 200

[@andrewrodger775]

When I was a child of perhaps 10 years or so, I was given a Lufthansa die cast metal Boeing 737 - 200 model. OMG, I used to "fly it round the back garden like a mad thing, only to land by the shed on the lawn." Happy memories and way before I had ever flown on an aircraft. I went on to work for a British Airways subsidiary company, flying regularly from MAN to LGW, yeah, you guessed it, on a BA 737 200. Great video Noel as ever.

[@andyreynolds6194]

12:35 to borrow from classic vehicle ownership: “IT wasn’t leaking, SHE was marking her territory!”

[@MadridHopper005]

This is why I subscribed to you Noel, you actually show the raw version of how flying happens from entering the airport, entering the plane, a bit of information about the plane, the inside, the food, the loo, I mean keep going mate! You should do a collab with Jeff and head off to Africa try some of their airlines! he's another top lad, great stuff be safe!

[@tinytruck2108]

You're feelings about the 737-200 is kinda how I feel about the MD-80 lol I grew up flying on those things with the sick American Airlines bare metal livery, and everything about them brings up so much nostalgia of family vacations and the excitement of visiting somewhere new. I also loved the "maddog" nickname, even though I had no idea where it came from at the time. But I honestly have no idea how I'd ever fly on one again. I know there's a few in service, but I'm a broke and busy student and by the time I have the time and money to chase one down, I don't know if they'll exist outside of a museum. It's crazy how we get attached to these awesome machines. I wish I had known when my last flight on a maddog would be, I would've tried to enjoy it a bit more

[@bailodescalza]

In my case, is the DC-10/MD-11. Only seeing them thanks to FedEx dunno for how long, but that engine on the tail is everything ❤

[@tahengrant5737]

You sure it's not called a SP 80? Like flying on it ha, try fueling them? Heart attacks. Delta would be MD 88 or 90. Starting fueling AA, this MD is old. Look at the paperwork and I saw SP 80.

[@DanJD1255]

Back in 2003 I flew with an airline called European Air Charter, 737-200 G-CEAJ. Birmingham to Malaga, was a great experience even in 2003! Takeoff was so powerful, went up like a rocket!

[@manuelbernstein3820]

Noel you should know that the hotel you stayed in Caracas is really located in a city called Maiquetia , Caracas is about a forty minutes ride from that airport into the mountains

[@stevenwitkowski6697]

I love seeing the old 737-200s and other old planes. I used to work at Tampa Airport in the 80s and 90s catering the old airplanes. I really miss working out there on the ramp.😢 Your videos are great.

[@jma00a1]

As of February 2024, the oldest Boeing 737-200 passenger plane still in service is registered as C-GNLK and operated by Nolinor Aviation, a Canadian charter airline. The plane has the serial number 20836 and was first delivered on May 9, 1974, making it 49.7 years old. It's based in Mirabel, a suburb of Montreal.

[@southaussiegarbo2054]

So this ones gone?

[@jhsevs]

@@southaussiegarbo2054no, as Noel said in the video, there are older ones than the one in the video, in charter service. The one in the video is the oldest you can book a flight on.

[@bobsmithinson2050]

@@southaussiegarbo2054just checked on flight radar. It’s most current flight was today, and has been in constant use with flights every day.

[@Davidcallard]

The venerable old DC3 equivalent of the jet age!

[@MS-om7vz]

C-GNLK is cargo. You mean C-GNLE

[@sirinjalul6411]

That proves the quality of this aircraft was truly prioritized, compared to newer models today.

[@Qc_gambler]

4:04 little correction for the scheduled routes. Air Inuit in Quebec has 5 of them between 42 and 46 years of age. C-GAIG C-GMAI C-GNDU C-GOPW C-GSPW as always continue the good work noel!

[@YLWSpotterLiam]

Just to add to that, SPW and MAI haven't been retired, just getting a heavy check done on them. Should be back in service soon

[@inisipisTV]

He did show that he rode Air Inuit last 2021 in the video.

[@mEmOjetpilot]

@@YLWSpotterLiam I am working on MAI, SPW flew back to Quebec yesterday if I'm not wrong.

[@AEMoreira81]

Nolinor flies some within Quebec and their oldest one is 50 years ago. Nolinor recently upgraded its nine frames with glass cockpits.

[@JimRockford39]

Your enthusiasm is great. Some people enjoy Futbol, Art, TV shows, Movies, but you love planes.

[@peterm7548]

My first flight was on a B737-200 in 1971 from Luton to Alicante when I was 12 years old!

[@jonclassical2024]

Noel, your Spanish is impressive!!! PS///I love your webcam shots from the POV of you BAG!!!! An old 707 is most likley better built than a new build 787! I am in tears Noel, you are right, it most likely be your last time and our last time to see one of those old girls from Boeings GLORY DAYS and that Pilot greased it!!!

[@V1Rotate380]

Amazing Video Noel, great as always

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tirana44]

Another masterpiece Noel, I always enjoy your videos. Back in the 1980s when I was employed in airline operations/traffic work, I flew many times on the 737-200. On perusing my flight log book for then, I have listed -200s of Aer Lingus, Braathens SAFE, Maersk, Easy Jet, Lufthansa, SABENA (Combi), and BA. I can remember well being on an empty positioning flight on a Maersk one, it was the steepest climb out I ever experienced. Happy days😊

[@Super_Chief]

The 737-200 must’ve had issues with the overhead air controls (like the one dripping on you in the video). Back in 1989, I travelled aboard an Alaska Scarelines 737-200 from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA to Juneau, Alaska. I didn’t notice it at first, but once we were taking off down the runway, I immediately noticed ice cold air was blowing with great force on my head. Looking up, I realized that the little round control knob that you usually turn to increase or decrease the amount of air, was completely missing. There was only a large hole where it used to be, and the freezing cold air was now blowing out of it in full force directly on me! I asked the flight attendant if there was another seat I could be switched to, but of course the flight was completely sold out. So, I had no other choice but to sit under that thing and freeze my rear off all the way to Alaska. To give you an idea of how cold that was - When we finally got to Juneau, as I was unbuckling my seat belt to deplane, I took one last look at that overhead vent and realized a 4-inch icicle had formed under it! 🥶

[@SneakyCaleb]

Alaska is good you just had a weird experience.

[@AzucarRay]

I love your videos Noel! I’m a well-traveled person, but you go to some places where I know I never will go, and you do some things I know I never will do. I live it all vicariously through you. Carry on!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you like them!

[@dccoulthard]

Noel Philips: This is awesome. Josh Cahill: This airline sucks.

[@peterbilttrucker83]

Hahaha...TRUTH

[@sgam43]

Haha true. Josh, AKA Drama Queen of the Skies, is a perfect example of the saying that if everyone around you is an a**hole, maybe you should take a good long look in the mirror.

[@davidknox5929]

Butt out Josh!

[@benjohnsmith]

I actually think Josh would also have a very open mind on such a flight. He appreciates nostalgia as much as Noel.

[@meflute2266]

​@@sgam43 To be honest most of the time he calls someone an a**hole this someone actually deserves it

[@greg6172]

Looks like getting home is/was a bit slow. Thanks for taking it on the airelon for your supporters Noel.

[@speedbird-777]

Old 737s remind me of what a marvellous company Boeing was. I hope they win the glory days back

[@Phoenixspin]

Probably safer than the new ones.

[@xxcrysisxx5317]

On planes like the 7372 you see how much Boeing cared this times about innovation, quality and safety. And this old lady in the video is the living proof for her quality. Lovely! A plane that flies almost 50 years, something that airbus planes never will:)

[@stanleovart]

0:40 - actually L-410 Turbolet is a modern airplane which is still in the production in Czech Republic :)

[@amero888]

Glad to see a new video mate .always makes my day . thank you so much

[@matthewelliott2213]

13:23 A little Antonov? Noel sees it all!

[@Skippers.86]

He failed to mention it sadly. But yes it is!

[@FrantikJ1]

Any Ideea what model is was?! AN-124 perhaps?!

[@Skippers.86]

@@FrantikJ1 yip. You are spot on...

[@southaussiegarbo2054]

​@@FrantikJ1 yep 124

[@yshraybman]

Most likely russian Volga-Dnepr or military.

[@tvstealer]

Bro risking his life to give us entertainment content

[@karijordan4930]

I wouldn't be nervous cuz my Dad was in the Air Force then a commercial pilot for TWA then an Air Traffic Controller at LAX B4 using his Aero space engineering for the Air Force. He always said that technology can break down faster than good old American mechanics. He felt that building & fixing with your bare hands offers more stability than relying on electronics which is harder to fix in a pinch. Idk if that is completely true but I was able as a kid to see my Dad in the cockpit or talk to him on the radio whenever I flew to see my grandma and that was not only super cool but made me not be afraid to fly!

[@michaelparker4457]

Looking at this video, seeing the overhead controls brought back some memories. Well done. Thanks

[@designandcreate]

Great video as always ! But it is not the oldest 737 ! Nolinor's C-GNLK is 50 years old since may this year ! 45 years old is pretty young for a 737-200 nowadays 🙃🙃🙃

[@alexandergeorge5573]

Thank you so much for this amazing video!!! I miss the classics. This makes me want to take a trip to Venezuela.

[@Jamie-Fox]

The plane is ftom 1978! Flying in a country which is under embargo. How do they maintain the aircraft..with prayers and witchcraft? How do they get the spare parts?

[@alastairfulbrook1285]

I'd imagine their current allies (mainly the Russians/Chinese) supply them with spare parts

[@GBOAC]

They aren’t on the same kind of sanctions like say Iran, they can trade in various ways but it’s highly controlled

[@jamiedonohue4884]

Good score Noel a 732 wow!!! Those engines though awesome!. Looking forward to how you made your way back home. All the best to Rach and the kids.

[@Dave619.]

My very first ever flight was on a 737-200. Air Malta from Southend to Valletta via Ostend!

[@diedzjeeoudshoorn7726]

Well, what is the age of the oldest B52 still flying? Generation after Generation after Generation is flying in those "lovely monsters".

[@Dave619.]

@@diedzjeeoudshoorn7726 not quite sure what that has to do with my comment?!

[@dangerousbusinesses788]

I would honestly trust older Boeing planes like this one more than the newer ones which seem to fall apart every day. Furthermore, I agree a thousand percent with what you said beginning at 9:09.

[@jacobyalfa]

This south american adventure is getting better with every upload 😂 that’s such an old plane but I guess is safer than the Max 8 haha ! You look so happy 😅😁😁✌️

[@katemakeuplooks]

Exactly!👍

[@fiwalker6690]

I’m not a plane enthusiast .. but I love your enthusiasm and reviews cheers from NewZealand

[@BobGeogeo]

For comparison, the last B-52 was built in 1962, with 72 still flying. Source is Wiki.

[@Lz_Lak]

It's amazing but I also feel very anxious seeing such an old airplane flying and sad to see these things happening in Venezuela, such a rich country, hopefully my neighbor has a better future ahead. Greetings from Brazil.

[@stevenholt1867]

Oldest and safest 737. No MCAS and door issues.

[@cheeseburgerlink]

lol door issue was the airlines problem

[@stevenpaget6252]

Noel, thank you for this video which gave happy feelings of nostagia. 737-200s have such memories!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewclark6711]

I first flew the 737-200 in 1986 operated by Brittania Airways - from Newcastle to Ibiza

[@KH-nz4ld]

Tip of the hat MR Philips! You and Sam are truly aviation enthusiasts! Not rest of us.We wouldn’t even consider 200 … Too much .Good job!

[@GerenM63]

I must admit, I’ve never liked 737s, of most any version. And the old ones I particularly dislike. They all make noises that no other aircraft I’ve been in do. And, as you mention, they’re incredibly cramped. I’d much rather fly a 727 or a DC9.

[@frankanderson4176]

Agreed!. I worked for an airline in the 80s and we had 737-200s, nicknamed Fat Alberts. We also had 727-200s and they were an absolute delight. You truly felt like you were flying in rock-solid equipment. Lets see a video on the 727. They're quite rare these days, too. Many thanks!

[@ahillbom]

Last time I flew a 737-200 was in the late 90s, from Lyon to London Heathrow. Jam-packed friday afternoon flight, plane was so heavy, thought we'd never be able to take off.. runway during takeoff felt sooooo long, and the sound of the engines, that I will never forget. My favourite plane though, will always be the 757.

[@millennialaviation]

What’s really sad is the fact that old Boeing planes were built with such great quality that all these years later they are still flying and you have these Max planes that are only a few years old and are falling apart.

[@katemakeuplooks]

Yes, such a pity, right?!

[@texas2cv]

Wonderful video! When I saw those overhead lights, it reminded me of a 737-200C I flew in from Anchorage to Bethel in 1991. Only about nine passenger rows and a bulkhead (behind which was everything from mail to outboard engines to food). Landing at Bethel ... well, you landed twice. The permafrost built a permanent hump in the runway. Not sure if its better now. Mark air is gone. As surely that 737-200C

[@mariehdesroches191]

3:51 With the gravel landing kit!

[@FrankHeeremans42]

Its crazy to think these great planes are over 40 years old. My memory is so vivid of seeing these 737-200 operated by british airways so many times in my youth visiting Schiphol airports observation deck in the 80s and 90s. Sadly for security reasons that isnt really a thing anymore. I also thought back on the oldest plane I ever flew in and I remember it to be a Spantax operated DC8-61CF (I had to look up the type). I remember it vividly even though I was 6 years old at the time. It was a year before Spantax ceased operations. It was a pleasant flight from what I remember. These older planes had a charm the new generation of planes lack in my opinion. They were loud and awe inspiring for me as a young boy.

[@henriquefuturoneto4693]

Very nice vídeo, but The airport that you landed is not in Caracas, it is in Maiquetia, a city 32 km from the capital Caracas.

[@DieselDucy]

That is amazing. Love the JT8D engine!

[@mikenewland3908]

Great video a very old 737 is hard to find

[@AledPritchard]

“The worst case scenario we’ll finish this journey by boat” on seeing the life raft 😂😂😂 Ahh wow so jealous of you flying on the oldest 737, older than me by 4 years! I flew on one in worse condition than this in Thailand ears ago. An experience! Great video Noel.. NEVER stop doing these and NEVER change, such a dude 👌🏻

[@General_Madness]

I mean it’s safer than the max EDIT: It’s a joke, ik that the max isn’t that dangerous anymkre

[@jbtonline]

All the bit's that could fall off have rusted up...🤣

[@thacerot4395]

@aerofoca "DEI" has nothing to do with the corporate greed inside Boeing that led to the MAX fiasco. Stop this conservative fear mongering.

[@Samir-dy6le]

I mean it's not but sure.

[@dehavillandcanadatwinotter9621]

It’s not at all. This model has many crashes. Aviation used to be very dangerous 35+ years ago so most models were involved in many incidents. It seemed to change in the 90’s where aviation got more safer and they finally learned how to maintain these planes properly.

[@dawnbaswell1853]

No its not I have flown on 3 max in the last 6 mths no problem at all

[@denisedonnelly5782]

Fantastic airplane Noel built when Boeing was a great company and if it was not a Boeing you were not going remember that slogan I was very lucky to have flown on many a Ryanair 737 200 when commuting from Manchester to Dublin during my Britannia days great video Noel keep flying the flag for vintage aircraft I am loving it 😘😘🙏🙏✈️✈️❤️❤️☘️☘️

[@wizardmix]

4:51 look at all that reinforcement, that had to do with the Aloha Airlines Flight 243 incident.

[@pasav8314]

🤣

[@Stoofke777]

Old, but it looks way more solid build than nowadays planes. I bet that's why it still flies around Nice vlog❤

[@janetmurphy7053]

Some boutique airline should buy one of these old 737's from the 70's and refit with a 70's style config and service, and just operate it as a "retro" plane for AV geeks. It could operate one route from like Austin to Denver or something to keep costs down. You'd fly it for fun and nostalgia.

[@bardo0007]

And they should also allow smoking in the cabin , just to make it realistic 😀

[@janetmurphy7053]

@@bardo0007 Totally!

[@BillLaBrie]

@@bardo0007They would only allow attractive female FA’s.

[@dark666king]

Doubt there's any low mileage/unused 737 left, airframes have limited fly hours and pressurization cycles after which they start developing microcracks and can fall apart mid flight. Nobody is gonna take such a risk with heavily used old planes in the developed countries.

[@KEITHGEE1000]

I remember flying home to Jersey on a BA 737-200 from Heathrow some time in mid 1980s. The cruise level then was normally FL180 with an average flight time of 35 mins. On this occasion, the aircraft reached cruise in just under 5 minutes and took a mere 29 minutes. Yes ATC must have been generous that day but boy it was like a rocket. Cracking aeroplane!!

[@thruster8764]

The old British Airways livery was much more beautiful

[@lawr66]

And the tulip.

[@brianwallace2667]

I flew on an Aloha Airlines 737-200 during July of 1969. That's when I fell in love with the 737 line. Also lucky enough to have flown on the Caravelle jet in 1971 in Europe.

[@silvertongue3003]

I’d much rather fly on this plane than a modern Boeing

[@leazer44]

Brave man Noel! I remember flying these 30yrs ago and they were still then considered old! But they were a beast and could get into 5000 ft runways with ease. All trips on the 37N (the Nasty) were called the see America tours cause they flew them into all the small towns in the US!

[@lostpoke111]

I wonder how you survive some of these flights sometimes haha

[@sdr_xp]

Back in the late 90s, I flew a 737-200 with Canair from Toronto to Punta Cana. I had a window seat just behind the wing and I clearly remember watching the 2 halves of the engine for the reverse thrusters flip back and thinking that the engines were falling off, didn't realize that is how they did the reverse thrust on the 737-200. Also, I got to go see the cockpit while we were flying(back when airlines still allowed this) and I remember the pilot explaining the extra peice of metal around the landing gear lever which meant that this plane had an apron around the front landing gear as it used to land at gravel runways in northern Quebec before it was used by Canair. So cool and such a great memory!!!!