How a B747 Returns to the Skies After Years in Desert Storage?

2 Boeing 747’s have been given a second life and have returned to the skies after years of storage in the desert. It is quite unbelievable! In this video, I have documented the work behind the scenes.
An ex-Eva Air Cargo B747-400BCF has been re-activated out of its desert storage recently. Find out the work undertaken in order to return the B747 to flying condition. In the video, I interview Ferry Pilot Gloyd Robinson. He has shared with me details about the test’s undertaken, such as engine runs, high speed taxi and rejected take-off. It has taken almost 6 months for the B747 to be returned to an airworthy condition, under the FAA’s Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR) supervision.
This B747, Reg N27063, flew out of Mohave for San Bernardino on 30th July. It flew gear down. When it arrived at San Bernardino, it was put on jacks and performed a “gear swing” to ensure the landing gear was working. The new owner of this B747 is SkyOne FZE, based in the UAE. This B747 is expected to depart in a few weeks for heavy maintenance check overseas.
This was not the first B747 to be recently re-activated out of storage, an ex-Korean Air B747-400BCF, registration N570B, recently flew out of Pinal Air Park in Marana, AZ. Instead of ferrying empty to heavy maintenance overseas, it carried 80 tons of medical aid cargo to New Delhi from the US. This humanitarian mission was organized by many partners, including Another Joy Foundation.
Long live the Queen of the Sky!
For more information:
Jet Test International: www.jettest.aero/company-info...
Another Joy Foundation: / anotherjoy-foundation-...
Cover Image: / west_coast_aviation

[@FantasticF113]

The 747 series was a work of art. It changed aviation for millions of people. The fact that they're reactivating these machines after all these years shows just how much Boeing got right all those years ago.✈✈✈

[@wlfgang]

There is still metal fatigue that is impossible to fix in all metal airplanes, especially older than 15 years.. Micro cracks everywhere.

[@darthnihilus511]

Anything is better than the DEI crap they’re pushing out today. Disclaimer: I am not a whistleblower and I don’t want to kill myself😂

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

@@darthnihilus511 you are also correct Sir! And your lack of willingness to unalive yourself is duly noted👍

[@beachbum4691]

I quote >"The 747 series was a work of art (absolutely). It changed aviation/and what global society was all about for millions of people? ="Global Society-Most?". please think before you challenge?

[@tjfSIM]

Seeing a 747 rotating into the sky and leaving the desert is such a beautiful and emotional sight. You always imagine that many aircraft arrive there, but very few leave.

[@bohemoth1]

V-1 ROTATE V-2 Good evening ladies and gentlemen this is your Captain....

[@cleekmaker00]

Like the Thunderdome! 😄

[@747-pilot]

Seeing a 74 rotate anytime, anywhere, anyhow ...is a beautiful and emotional sight!! 😃😃

[@tjfSIM]

@@747-pilot Very true 😀👍

[@socorrotello497]

747gargo

[@thomasjacques5286]

The 747 and DC-3 will forever be remembered and revered as the planes that impacted aviation most.

[@XxXNyMpHoXxX]

The queen spreading her wings again. Glad to see her back in the sky.

[@morphman21]

Damn right

[@keithsandercock1412]

Really nice to see these aircraft coming out of storage , being refurbished, and given a new life.

[@luckytheyorkey9179]

Like the DC3 this queen of the skies is eternal and distinguishable from all the others.

[@Sharon-pb7so]

I worked at a major airport and when regular jets were coming in we barely looked but if it was a 747 we'd all stop and watch her land they were/are grace personified. There's just something so special about those beautiful planes.

[@AviGkEy]

I'd definitely put b777 number 2

[@bondgabebond4907]

I'm happy to see those planes take to the air again. No need to build new ones. As for looking at 747s coming and going, it is always a sight. I've been on a few while in the military. Another plane that grabs attention is the C-5 Galaxy. What a monster. I've flown in that plane a few times. Big aircraft always attracts attention.

[@u2mister17]

Always will be the Queen of the skies.

[@Dischingo]

The coolest Aircraft I've seen take off and land are the C-5 Galaxy, 747, An-124(Baby An-225).

[@neils5539]

As a kid, we lived in the landing pattern for O'Hare. You always knew when a 747 was going over because of the unique engine sound. So big, they just looked like they were hanging in the sky.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

This 747 probably has some of the parts I built on it from back in 1991. I worked at Boeing for 20 years. 1985-2005 and built parts for the 747. Nice to see it back in the sky again.

[@justing42]

How many times you get laid off?

[@JamesAnderson-mr2sg]

Did flight test back in 69 on avionics

[@fanatamon]

Nice.

[@darthnihilus511]

Careful, ex Boeing employees are dropping like, well, their products😂

[@j.t.cooper2963]

@@darthnihilus511 I've been retired since 2005. Their management totally sucks. BlackRock owns most of the company and they are an evil entity.

[@IanGem1121]

The queen of the skies. Best looking aircraft ever.

[@jeromejeffy1216]

Uhh don't you think the a380 looks a bit better ?

[@carsandstuff365]

@@jeromejeffy1216 Na .. devhilland comet .. wide body tri stars .. md-11 dc-10 L-1011 .. in my opinion more retro and cool

[@zalee252]

@@jeromejeffy1216 A380 sucks

[@mr.caspian9232]

Agreed

[@jeromejeffy1216]

@@zalee252 that's what i would say about the 747 but each to their own I guess

[@forest19960906]

As a Taiwanese spotter, it's so glad to see ex-Eva Air freighter B-16402 flying again! Thanks Sam for sharing her next life in the sky!

[@storyflight8762]

Ex. Former Asiana's 747-400(BDSF), HL7414 soon be flying again too...! so glad...!

[@edgarmuller6652]

Having flown these 747s for 18 year give me joy to see then back again in the air. Those aircraft looked like new from the first day until now that I saw your video. Thanks for bringing those experiences to everyone.

[@Dan-nt2yb]

Rumour has it the plane’s tail started wagging when the storage area gates were being unlocked.😊👍🏾👍🏾

[@moviesnips]

There's just something about the legendary Boeing 747 that the Airbus A380 just can't quite capture, I'm not sure how to put it in words.

[@kevinj2412]

It's just that the A380 could never fill the shoes of the Queen of the skies. She is my all time favorite too.

[@pat1589]

The A380s are ugly. The 747s aren't. Does that help.

[@moviesnips]

@@pat1589 The 747 is more graceful in appearance.

[@nathansharma87]

Could it be that we grew up with the 747? Or that it's been around for over 5 decades? One day the A380 will be gone and people will say the same things about it.

[@moviesnips]

Lol I guess ;) @@nathansharma87

[@ianhjan]

Out of the dirt and into the sky! 2 beautiful queens flying again. This is a great video Sam.

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Unlike the 380

[@richardcline1337]

@@andersonrodriguez8258, the 380 is NOT a good looking airplane, unlike the 747 which is a beautiful aircraft.

[@ruzzy8883]

I love how passionate Sam is about the aviation industry, it's really great to see.

[@gj1234567899999]

If you think about it- human beings are flying! It’s crazy how we modern people take this miracle for granted. It’s great that there are people who are rightfully still amazed and awed by flight.

[@jerrybennett7856]

I would love to see a video about the on going maintenance during storage. People outside of aviation do not understand the various maintenance performed on stored airplanes.

[@Nevakonaza.]

So amazing to see these get back in the sky again instead of wasting away :)

[@slennie]

Unfortunately both aircraft are stored again at the moment

[@shawnengstrom3906]

This makes me so happy to see these 747's back in the sky. maybe there will be more with such a demand and backlog in freight delivery. I got to fly a 747-200 sim many years ago and it was a great experience.

[@davidwinslow9206]

The absolute Queen of the skies. No other plain compares. Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@jonathanchristopher1099]

This is just such a beautiful feeling watching these wondrous giants resurrect from the dead. I was forever taken by a 747 as a 13 year old in 1975 watching my UA 747 pull up, preparing to take me on my first trip to Hawaii. 747, you are etched forever in my memories.

[@awuma]

My first 747 flight was in that year too, out of Honolulu for Vancouver. I was sitting near the back, near a window, so I could see up the whole cabin and the curving sides. An evening flight, with all the lights of Honolulu visible as we climbed out.

[@jerryl.1033]

As a retired Boeing modification mechanic, I love seeing 747's return to the skies! Wish I could fly with you sometime Sam. Thanks for the great video!

[@DanAviationFSYT]

Seeing a B747 departing from the desert storage after years is magnificent, ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF THE SKIES! 🛫

[@alanrix5344]

Yes 747's are magnificent aircraft

[@kinkane5566]

Long live The Queen!

[@imanishraf6215]

Others stranded B747 see one of their friend flying again. B747 family: We have hope

[@nayannair2351]

Amazing video. In the cockpit, you can see some instruments that were produced 30 years ago and in newer 747's, those are not there. Quite rare to see.

[@logotrikes]

I always understood that once a plane has been assigned to long term desert storage, that was it. It was just robbed for bits. Great to see this bird back in the air....

[@PGHammer21A]

Some of these B747s wound up at Marshall BWI when Prime Air Marshall was stood up. (As to *why* it was stood up, Prime Air Marshall BWI is one of two Prime Air B747-capable hubs (Prime Air Dulles is the other) that will serve HQ2. Unlike Dulles, I have actually flown out Marshall BWI as a passenger (more than once, in fact - my last flight of ANY sort outbound was out of Marshall BWI six years ago).

[@Plusty07]

The Queen of the Skye's will never die! I did see some major carriers retired their 747 last year when COVID hits, but to see this one retiring to service - this is awesome!

[@muhammadsaalar1402]

Good to see 747 coming back!🤗

[@willemlenteren1485]

We fly on Pacifica 747 s go on at least to2030 a good example to other airliners worldwide to still passengers 747

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Beautiful to see these Queens of the skies flying again ❤️❤️❤️

[@matthewcoldicutt5951]

Sam, your genuine joy and enthusiasm is so infectious! What a life you have..

[@celticrunes1911]

The 747 is my absolutely favorite aircraft ever made. I’ve fueled many different aircraft in the military, and even though never a 74, I grew up watching this airplane dominate the passenger and cargo world. Great video, Sam! I would volunteer in a heartbeat to fly on a humanitarian aid mission anywhere in the world for free just to be able to say that I’ve flown on a 747. Not to mention, of course, the glowing feeling from being able to help those in need. Great video!!!

[@b256002008]

I was always thinking that any plane will retire and end up in the desert will not fly again. This video says that it's possible to see these babies are embracing the skies again.

[@soumyaval]

Same

[@pbyfr]

USAF took a 10 years stocked B-52 back to service in April. It's quite rare, but it happens. And with most A-380 grounded, and practically all passengers 747 retired, air freight loose a lot of available shipping volume. Therefore, I would not be surprised that a lot of old stocked 747 cargo will be back to the sky.

[@williamjones4483]

I think that it's going to be a very long time before the Boeing B747 aircraft will no longer be needed.

[@Sacto1654]

In fact, there is a burgeoning business converting good condition 747-400's into freighters.

[@FantasticF113]

@Spank A Leftist Yep, the dry desert air with low humidity, stable temperatures and lack of rainfall are all key factors in preserving the aircraft. It's great seeing these amazing machines flying again - especially when they're being used for humanitarian missions. Just because something's old, it doesn't mean you have to throw it away. Peace everyone 🙏

[@davefrommelbourne1237]

Thanks for sharing Sam. It’s amazing how an aircraft that was in storage for so long can be reactivated like that.

[@freddyhoyt1849]

As a recent retired flight attendant I loved flying on the 747 plane ✈️ I’m glad to see these planes ✈️ leaving the desert for another chance to fly again

[@johnm4579]

Nothing better then 747 taking off, the size and power of this great airplane, there'll never be another like it. Great video sam

[@THOMMGB]

I absolutely love seeing a plane that everyone had given up on suddenly being given a new lease on life. It's like it's being reborn and its life has a purpose once again.

[@cybird1]

The best comeback EVER!

[@cybird1]

@@SamChui OMG OMG OMG Mr. Sam i am your biggest fan thanks for liking my comment

[@freddi7588]

it just goes to show old stuff dont get old it ages gracefully to go again !

[@markybear92840]

Great to see those KAL's and Eva Air 747's back in the sky! Queen of the skies!

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

I never thought I'd see the day 747's are back in the sky. I hope they bring more back in service.

[@malcolmallen3687]

Having flown my family and I with a long haul 747-400... The take off thrust is just a fun experience... Bring them back... One of the safest jets in the sky... 😎

[@Jesse_de_jong]

5:41 I had tears in my eyes when I saw that KLM MD-11 in the background, beautiful aircraft

[@blackme1]

And that’s why she’s called the queen of the skies she will live forever

[@workonitm8]

747 will ALWAYS be the Queen of the Skies, even when they're gone. Once a queen, always a queen.

[@Emperorvalse]

Must admit I smiled when you went into the 747 and even more on the upper deck.

[@jackhols5765]

Great to see the effort to restore the 747!!! Fantastic achievement to restore the queen of the skys!!! 🛩👑👍

[@dc5723]

Awesome!!! Glad to see a 747-400 put back in service.

[@RobHitch]

Great to see the old birds flying again!👍😎🙏

[@teasingbrown75]

This is the kind of video that brings joy. Seeing a giant already with many stories return to the flight routine is the most beautiful thing to see! 747 and A380 is an aviation icon!! Very happy to see a video like this!

[@gerysphotos3519]

I remember Malev recieving their 767-300, it's been stored in the desert too in Bahrein, the plane used to fly for Gulf Air before but haven't been used for years, so it needed some serious maintenance before it was flown to Budapest...

[@alanfarias2923]

Best aircraft ever built, I rather fly a four (4) engine aircraft any day and the Boeing 747’s are the BEST. She still is the QUEEN of the skies. Thanks to companies like these are giving her life again.

[@obsun001]

The older generation 747s came out of retirement, ferry cargo to the world awesome!

[@mikeschiesel2852]

Call this aircraft The Phoenix....this was awesome, and what an amazing mission it has!

[@SLYx207z]

Love to see The Queens came back to service!!! ❤💙💚✈✈✈

[@Elainerulesutube]

♥️Good to see some of these old 747s flying again!

[@onlyhereonce7290]

The 747 just makes me smile. Thank you for sharing this video. Long live the 747-8 and 747-400

[@OneIdeaTooMany]

I can only imagine the list of AD's the maintenance teams needed to complete to get it flying again. I would have loved to see all of that.

[@cees.startnet4009]

it's great to see Eva Air 747 going in the sky again 🙏🙏🙏👋👋👋👍👍👍

[@steverudder3321]

I was 9 years old and living in Seattle when Boeing began test flying the 747. I had a great view of the huge jet as it came around and lined up for approach to Boeing field in the Kent Valley. Soon, 747's were frequently coming in to SeaTac Airport day and night. I started to learn the different names and logos, PanAm, TWA, United, Western Airlines, Continental, BOAC, Lufthansa, etc. We also drove up to Everett Field for the 747's open house to the public. The jumbo had a distinct sound to the engines that no other jets had. My neighbor told me it was water injection. 🤷‍♂️ I'm a little bit older than the jumbo's, but I'm glad that we are both still plugging along as best we can.👍

[@captpbiswas]

Boeing B-747... An amazing piece of engineering with human touch

[@Sam_Beck]

Great to see more 747s being brought back to life again!

[@ays163]

It was so great to see another Queen of the Skies has given a second life after being in a dessert storage for a long time ago. I really love 747 even if I never flew one of this giant aircraft. Hopefully we would love to see you here in Manila Queen of the Skies.

[@schillaci5590]

This was the video I was waiting for!

[@ultimatecarandflightfeed4012]

Queen shall continue to fly for more years to come RESPECT THE 747

[@pdmotors5027]

A very rewarding job for the A&P’s involved in this kind of work..

[@Michael-yx5ey]

Deeply moving, The B747 is an iconic legend. In a humanitarian role its built for the job. Everyone involved can be proud of what they have accomplished. Just proves we can do Great things when we work together. ****Team work makes the dream work****

[@volvo24091]

Humanitarian? Covid aid?? Crappy as it gets

[@stephenparslow7964]

The most beautiful aircraft ever to take to the skies

[@shawndavis9349]

Sam is like a kid in the candy store when he talks about the 747 series!!!

[@bassmith448bassist5]

Sam's like a little kid when you get him around an airplane. So cool to see that boundless enthusiasm!!! Add to that a humanitarian mission, what could go wrong??????

[@RUSLexplorer2020]

Glad to see them flying again !

[@Jason_The_Man]

It’s just a shame there aren’t more flying. One of the most beautiful aircraft ever made. Iconic!

[@jeffb6786]

It's really great to see one of the Queens get reactivated. I fully realize why airlines stopped using them for passenger service; it's all about economics, but there isn't another aircraft in the sky that compares. She was and always will be a lady of grace and beauty. I recently traveled from Denver to London, but via ORD so we could take Lufthansa's 747-8 from there to Frankfurt. There won't be many more chances to fly on a 747 and I'm taking every opportunity to do so. Besides, I have issues flying on a twin-jet across the Atlantic. And yes, I know all about ETOPS and that they do it multiple times a day without incident but I felt a lot safer on that 747 with nothing but water under me. Eight hours in premium economy and it felt like I was in my house. No bumps, plenty of room and the knowledge that I was onboard the Queen of the Skies. I knew she'd get us there safely. Thanks for the video, Sam; keep 'em coming.

[@Bad_Karma1968]

Great vlog Sam ! Glad to see one coming back

[@alanmiller9681]

I lived in both Macau and Taiwan over 12+ years so likely flew on this EVA 747-400 several times. Nothing better unless it’s a 747-8. Flown on those too with Korean. Love the power and stability of a 747!

[@tommytube268]

Even as a freighter this plane is the most beautiful in the sky!

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

There is nothing like a 747. She's the queen of the skies. 🌐

[@Michael.Chapman]

Nothing can compare to the 747 :-) great to see this is happening, especially with extended upper deck versions :-)

[@JAllyFarms]

glad to see the 74 back in service again!

[@johnp3978]

So much respect for these pilots and pilots in general, they have to learn how to operate such sophisticated and fascinating machines/airplanes, tons and tons of buttons in that cockpit and they have to know it all.

[@neildissanayake7942]

Long live the queen. This might be your best video yet. Really enjoyed this very interesting content. Big congrats on your own pilot's licence as well!

[@stevencoomber1075]

Great to see an amazing plane flying again. This was when Boeing used to build some amazing planes back then and they have certainly lost their way with the recent 737-Max series of planes which is a big shame

[@CMBpictures07]

Really happy to see Queen of skies is returning back

[@bruce5799]

The 747 lives on. Great video and great teamwork

[@i20010]

Awesome! Its so sad to see those jets rot in the desert...Especially majestic ones like the 747!

[@fallinginthed33p]

4:35 I didn't know planes have jack points like on cars. It's wild seeing a huge flying beast hanging on four jack stands.

[@justing42]

Swung the gear on many planes many times ….it is in fact a trip. Some hangars you put the jacks in place then the floor drops down…. THAT is cool

[@ablue5419]

One more 747 into the skies Love it. ✈️

[@tomattime]

An episode that leaves you wanting more,, excellent 👍 👏🏽

[@JB-bs1se]

I really miss seeing and hearing the 747’s fly over my house to and from DTW here in Michigan.

[@citibear57]

Awesome video! The Queen of the Skies, and the AVGeek King. Who could ask for anything more? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@thecrabpulsar]

So lovely to see these old birds back in action, undoubtedly the Queen of the skies, the best looking commercial aircraft ever flown, period.

[@kingofthetrack1067]

This brought a joyful tear to my eye. I’m so excited to see the queen again!!!

[@Fly_Cruising-Altitude]

5:25 Glad to see former Korean Air B747-400 aircraft fly in the sky again!!!!!!

[@Bim0Mr]

I couldn't believe that one day I would have my picture featured on one of Sam Chui's vlogs! I follow and watched his videos for 3 years now and there was my photo along with the team featured as one of cameo pictures. Awesome!

[@jumboJetPilot]

I’ve dropped off and picked up quite a few 747’s to/from the desert as well!

[@d.w.d-limited]

Dear Sam, thanks to share your love for all planes all around the world. It's a real pleasure to watch it everytime =) Thanks to make me/us dream about Boeing, Airbus and some Antonov too !!! Best regards from France. Take care, and long life to this awesome aviation channel

[@TheSSMusicChannel]

There are more to follow and the A380s are coming back, and in my opinion its about time!

[@austenmckenna5555]

I bet the plane was so happy when it could stretch its wings and take to the sky again! It must of been depressing to be in storage with an unknown fate.

[@dchoi7737]

Sam, it’s such great news 747 are being saved and will keep flying! Fantastic and looking forward to that humanitarian mission video.

[@KubotaBXathome]

Very exciting to see, thanks for posting!

[@stevewallace1117]

My father went through over a hundred stall tests on the 747. He was one of the chief aerodynamicists for the 747. His special contribution was the Krueger flaps, technology gained by my father after he helped translate Aeronautical Engineering papers from the Germans after World War II

[@KursatCakar]

What is your father’s name?

[@scuddrunner1]

That was a cool video! I love seeing boneyard planes het back into the sky again! Ferry pilot, cool job!! :-)

[@stuartb3609]

As a Flight Attendant since the 80s I can’t get use to these pilots wearing civilian or ‘street clothes’. Looks like a bunch of good ole boys have stumbled their way on to a 747 and decided ‘He’ll yeah!’. 👍👏😀

[@ltg8382]

Just wow.. these things should be preserved forever.

[@ashfaq1999]

Great video !! Nice to see her flying again 😊

[@musaabnour463]

The queen of the skies 🌌 undoubtedly