Randy's final flight retiring a 747 to Victorville.

After making its final flight SFO to FRA (Frankfurt) {Which I l few on} this perfectly good 747 gets flown to the boneyard in Victorville for retirement. My wife left lipstick prints on the logo for the next purchaser.

[@gavinoctavien1400]

747s are prettiest planes ever built

[@stuartlee6622]

Gasner Productions NO. That was the Super G Constellation!!

[@ELAviation]

Agree !

[@cindysue5474]

The Connie and 727.

[@rico4you]

The Speedbird Concorde it's just so gorgeous and Sexy!

[@justplanecrazy5575]

Gasner Demos agreed

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

I flew this beautiful bird many times, mostly for pleasure but once, in the mid '60s, I was employed as the pianist in the upper lounge for a few short months, loving every minute of it!

[@stockling4612]

M.J. Leger , what a fantastic opportunity to play on the queen of the skies! Thx for sharing.

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

You're welcome -- it's a favorite memory of mine, probably the best job I ever had as a musician! Nice people, (I thought it would be noisier than it was, but it didn't bother me). Truly enjoyable.

[@zuurbekje3125]

There was no 747 in the mid-1960s.

[@matthewcoldicutt5951]

Adaptable , M.J !

[@alexfinns6162]

@@zuurbekje3125he probably meant 70s

[@jerryl.1033]

As a former Boeing modification mechanic, it is sad to see these beautiful planes grounded. However, many of these planes have passed their useful service life. All aircraft are designed for only so many takeoffs & landings, or cycles. Unless you have been inside the bellies of these planes and have seen the corrosion that often happens, you don't understand. On average, an aircraft is operable for about 30 years before it has to be retired. A Boeing 747 can endure about 35,000 pressurization cycles and flights-roughly 135,000 to 165,000 flight hours-before metal fatigue sets in. 747s are retired after approximately 27 years of service. Metal fatigue and corrosion are the real reasons why all aircraft are retired for good.

[@blampa]

Jerry L. Thank you, I was going to write something similar, you have told the exact reason these aircraft get retired.

[@rico4you]

Jerry L. Finally a coherent straightforward reply. Can you imagine if Airlines continued flying these planes instead of retiring! How Dangerous for all! Yes everything has a start and end and it's just the way it is for the benefit of all. Thanks for your reply.

[@followthesun2115]

Thank you for the informative comment. Very interesting.

[@rsattahip]

Some day we'll have planes smart enough to refuse to land there. Sorry Dave, I can't do that.

[@davidcole333]

Great comment! :-)

[@keithrempp1081]

Turn off the transponder and just fly it over this way. They will never miss it.

[@diamondtran8331]

And they'd be capable of detecting hijackers' intention and would refuse to follow their demands.

[@vondahe]

How sad to see this beautiful bird turning off the engines for the very last time.

[@jamesf791]

They are brought to this specific airport for a reason. Another company will buy them. Cargo companies reuse them all the time.

[@jayd1426]

I love you 747! You will always be my Queen. When I look at the 747, I feel like I’m looking at a mother taking me safely to a new destination. The 747, the Queen of the Skies, will never leave my heart. I will never stop loving the 747. I still think can fly on for another century if not retired. I love you 747!

[@shafiqshafiq9582]

We are also miss 747

[@malcolmstone5892]

The 747 has had a better life than the A380.

[@keithrempp1081]

How dare you you mention the A word. This is a family forum.

[@doug9066]

@@keithrempp1081 lol.

[@EL15E]

Yep the Boeing 747 win and the a380 is already retiring.

[@philmontejano5971]

@Jinja-Ninja they aren't retiring

[@charlieharris2531]

Victorville, home of George Air Force Base during my time in the service. We had the F4-Phantom at that time and some of those birds had saw many combat hours in South East Asia. Now it's the last resting place for some good aircrafts.

[@planelvr07]

It's a sad day when one of these beautiful 747 queens has to retire. I really wish there was a way to keep them flying... they deserve it.

[@brianpeace7585]

50,40,30,20.... go around! This plane deserved another fly by before it's final touchdown!

[@framfull]

There will never be a better looking or cooler plane like this ever again.

[@AJ67901]

She's still a great looking bird. Thanks for the nearly 50 years of 747 Joe Sutter.

[@geezer652]

.......just like women, beauty is only skin deep.

[@rickynavarro9092]

My favorite bird in the sky, Boeing 747.

[@Ahleeyuh]

The 747's Are Gorgeous. Tragic To See Them Phased Out. Farewell, Your Majesty 👑😔

[@justathought5984]

Beautiful, majestic, graceful. Looks good from any angle, and in any livery. I hope they can make more cost effective engines and get these planes back in the sky. I guess the A380 will be joining them shortly, but they deserve to be there, the 747 does not.

[@justathought5984]

I agree with capacity. The A380 has advantages with capacity, purchase cost per passenger, and luxury. But Boeing boasts that the 747-8 has an operating cost advantage. The fuselage is lighter, and with the Gennx engines, they will be more fuel efficient. Boeing also stated the cabin is quieter. I think the 747-8 has an advantage over range as well, but not sure about that, so some sites say the 747-8, others the A380. I don't know if we can measure the 747 with it's initial design anymore, because I am sure Boeing upgraded the aircraft for the 8. Who knows, in the end nostalgia could win out (so long as the 747-8 is based on more than looks) especially if the spoke and wheel model for air travel continues. I think airlines will be watching Lufthansa carefully, as far as I know, they are the only airline to have both.

[@shapman280]

No plane deserves to be in the pit of absence

[@geraldinalagos]

They were the princesses of the skies!

[@ELAviation]

Wow, i've been looking for this. Thank you for sharing. Great catch!

[@RojoFern]

Take all the equipment out, spiff her up a bit, and she could be one hell of a house! She'd get lots of love and care from me, that's for sure!

[@user-fv2tj8en4g]

There a lot of land out here in Victorville, where you can buy some and buy a use plane and put it on your land, I haven't see one yet? maybe you can be the first :)

[@VegasLoungeAct]

747s are majestic

[@JeroenPekkeriet]

What a waste to retire those perfect planes!

[@willemlenteren1485]

exactly

[@tuebor1837]

Don't a lot of these become cargo conversions, though?

[@Lyxzzzzzzzzzzzzz1]

Don’t blame airlines blame fuel prices

[@galarprince]

tuebor1837 yeah

[@Frost517]

Jeroen Pekkeriet sure. And what a waste to fly the same routes with old four engines instead of new two engine lighter composite craft.

[@Dana_Danarosana]

They're such graceful birds... I remember one time I flew on a United 747-400 from LAX to DEN (where landings are always roller coaster-esque). I was dead asleep and the kid next to me had to wake me up... AT THE GATE after landing at DEN!!!

[@TravelWithJose]

Huge thanks for sharing!

[@tak2malay24]

so sad, she still can cross seven seas seven 100 times.....she is still breathing healthy..

[@ELAviation]

Just a beauty isn't it?

[@PPGames6000]

But her engines are not breathing healthy and some parts /landing gear etc...

[@marlineharrold1937]

Sweet video! Thank you.

[@christopherescott6787]

It pains me to know all 4 engine,just like the ones previous,are destined to disappear. replaced by the ordinary,some would say bland twins.I'm fortunate to have had a parent who was a pilot. I traveled on many types. From the VC10 with BOAC,the 707's,DC8's,trijets and small twins. still none compare with the space,style and class that IS the 747. I am memorably saddened seeing them disappear destined for museums....and memories. Farewell good and faithful servant of the skies.

[@stockling4612]

Completely agree! After 22 recent trips to Honk Kong and Japan, these beautiful birds will be sorely missed.

[@phensriwood8081]

Flying will never be the same. With Covid I don’t want to go anywhere.

[@MaCardarelli]

There’s something very sad about watching these planes land here, knowing they will never leave.

[@stockling4612]

Seeing the live vests all pulled out and tossed on the floor & the hangers up in the flight attendant sleeping birth, it was very evident that this was the end of the line for this queen of the skies. It was very apparent from my friends that flew it in (and the my ex-flight attendant wife) that this was a solemn event. Very interesting to capture and participate in. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@tonyd9455]

The 747 is still being flown by many airlines. As of July 2018, there are 542 747 aircraft in airline service.

[@jimcunningham61]

I miss the 747 so much , used to love taking eva when they used 747

[@sanddabz5635]

No more stories to be told, no more broken hearts going home to bury loved ones, no more joy bringing a soldier home, no more smiles of connecting friends from faraway places, no more excitement taking a family on their "1st Summer vacation", no more stressful stories of the business traveler, no more mile high club members to add, no more taking people "Home for Christmas", no more hearing the chants/cheers of a winning sports team that chartered her, no more witnessing the marriage proposal @30,000ft, no more listening to the intimate conversation between strangers sipping wine, no more hearing a baby cry during a thunderstorm, no more hot meals to be served in 1st class to your hungry & particular fliers, no more going to meet your future in-laws for the first time, no more tires to be replaced, no more worn seats to be recovered, no galley to be restocked, no more movies to be shown.................. no more places to go~~ JOB WELL DONE MY QUEEN!!

[@wesleynash9385]

Queen of the skies resting her tired eyes

[@Putzickle]

I wonder if it was the same Randy who flew me and my partner in a United 744 from LHR - SFO a few years back. My partner won a work trip to Hawaii first class and before take off the captain (called Randy) came and introduced himself to the 1st class passengers. I remember thinking he was a very polished individual and was grateful that he took the time to introduce himself! Happy retirement Randy!

[@hcrffi]

What a shame. Boeing 747 is the most elegant and the best commercial aircraft ever made. I still remember my first ever airplane ride. Pan Am flight in 1970 from Tokyo to Honolulu in an Boeing 747.

[@vickyburton2434]

It is so sad to see these majestic planes retired.

[@rodolfoayalajr.8589]

Emotional 😭. Theirs a new 747-800 beautiful.

[@kevinbrzostek7552]

I wish United would preserve one and put it on display for the public. I will miss these planes and hate that they will be scrapped and never be seen again.

[@jimdep333]

Kevin Brzostek they have a 727 that they've made into a museum..

[@igotanM16]

Like the Concorde on display at Heathrow? Lol

[@MojaveDan]

Problem is they're huge. Plus many of them are converted to cargo haulers

[@geezer652]

Patience, USAF has two 747's retiring 2025, those two aircraft won't be going to the scrap heap.

[@monte61]

He should have done a low pass for the last time!!

[@stockling4612]

monte61, exactly what I suggested before the landing.

[@moremoneyfordreadnoughts1100]

slow roll, Tex Johnson style.

[@paulhillbeats]

He should do a loop de loop

[@darringraham2613]

Every airline should have kept at least 1 747 in their fleet. I'm 50 and the 747 is the only Boeing I never got seat time in 😭✈ rest in peace Queen of the sky 🙏

[@paleghost]

Wonder how many hours/cycles it had? My understanding is service life for a 744 is around 100k hours.

[@ChrisZoomER]

The jet blast at 4:50 will also be missed, the 747 is one of kind... ain't I right?

[@DavidBerquist334]

Who bought the plane what year is it made how much would it sell for

[@DavidBerquist334]

Do you know who bought the plane. Did it sell by its self or was it in a fleet bid do you know if engines are leased can buyer take over lease to save cost of replacing

[@haroldlipschitz9301]

Heartbreaking

[@stockling4612]

I flew on this very aircraft (tail #) two days prior on a Frankfurt turn. Tell me about sad! Perfectly good bird and Queen of the skies.

[@jimdep333]

When I was a youngster I flew on a National Airlines 747-100 in 1972. Every domestic airline flew that jumbo for a time in the early 70s. American, Continental, Delta, Eastern, National, Pan AM, TWA, Northwest, United, Braniff. Have I missed any?

[@aceiconia7215]

It's looks great on the outside but it's a tired plane internally. Reaching it's maximum pressure and depressurization cycle. It will be completely recycled, all good parts taken off and catalogued, and returned to service as spare parts for other 747's that are still flying.

[@thorthegodofthunder9150]

747s are cute.

[@andrewlane3057]

The 747 is a great bird. but now days the 777 can so the job of a 747 for half the cost. and with the longer range of the single isle planes such as the 737. they can now fly across the pond making longer trips possible for longer thinner markets. a trip to Hawaii is now done with a 737. but 747s will still fly as freighters.

[@poker_18rs92]

Why does it have to be retired? Will they still use it for a cargo plane? Hopefully she just doesn't sit out there in that hot desert.

[@julosx]

Aircrafts are designed from the beginning of commercial aviation to fly a certain number of cycles and hours. They can't last for ever. Beyond that digit they can become dangerous (like the infamous Aloha Airlines'737 that got its roof ripped apart in mid air in 1988). The older they get, the more expensive they also turn out to be kept airworthy.

[@MojaveDan]

Many of them are converted to cargo and it's done there at VCV.

[@nicolasgarcia2306]

*Dad: why the heck are you crying so loud?*

[@DCussen]

It floors me that they can’t use that plane anymore. Talk about a sad video.

[@58HUSTLER]

It isn't that they can't use it, it's just that it no longer makes financial sense to do so.

[@sanddabz5635]

@1:58.....and as the Queen glides by the L10-11, she senses doom!

[@TheSearchandfind]

Not Randy Peck from NWA right?

[@alexfinns6162]

😢. Also is that a Saudia L1011 in the back at 1:58?

[@alextosi4701]

Why do they have to retire these planes if DC3’s are still flying?

[@label1877]

Seems like countries in Africa would pay more for your old planes compared to scrapping it.

[@SimHustler]

There is still a few million miles left in that old beast!

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

idiot

[@mabelyourmama9029]

Poor 747. I see her tears.

[@terrallputnam7979]

That plane looks almost new. Too bad they don't last like the old DC-3s. I know the pressurization cycles weaken the shell. This baby looked sweet though.

[@ryansvloggingit5492]

Rip United 747 queenof the skies

[@Sacapuntas69]

Ahhh, hopefully it will be made into beer cans soon! I need more beer.

[@MostafaMansoori]

Farewell United 747, I'm sure they will sell certain parts of the airplane for other airline parts, like the engines are still worth like $4 million each.

[@caltrain910]

Goodbye United 747 we'll miss you. #ua747farewell

[@workonitm8]

How many people are usually on board one of these "retirement flights" ?

[@jeffbelaire8450]

3 flight crew and "0" passengers "0" flight attendants. This one ended in Victorville CA, which is a bone yard for retired aircraft to be parted out or resold as cargo transport. I flew on this aircraft's "final WORKING flight" two days prior with my pilot friend to Frankfurt. Then, picked him up after this final flight. We were able to climb out the pilots escape hatch and climb up to the crew rest area up in the tail area. Quite fascinating but quietly eerie at the same time. Oh, and of course take pictures sitting in the engine cowling.

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

So why are the last revenue flights always AWAY from the Victorville direction (Frankfurt, Hawaii)? Instead of the long deadhead flight from these remote places, they could squeeze another revenue flight out of the plane back to California, and then a much shorter hop to the boneyard.

[@dogmannz]

Most probably because the most cost efficient place to take them out of service is due to crewing. Cheaper to sell the aircraft and have the buyer fly it to the boneyard from where ever, than fly the aircraft closer to the boneyard themselves - and then have to transport the crew back to their home country and pay them for their time while doing this.

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

They know they're pretty much all going to Victorville, and United pilots are mostly if not all based in the U.S. I think the overseas deadhead flight is staffed by United since the planes end up in San Francisco or somewhere for a last going through for whatever United salvages.

[@dogmannz]

United wouldn't be interested in salvaging anything. There would be nothing worth salvaging from 50 year old aircraft. As far as they are concerned the aircraft have served their purpose and they are glad to wash their hands of them. Their age means the maintenance costs are climbing, and their 4 engine configuration plus 50 year old design and construction have made them uneconomic to retain. If there was anything they wanted to keep they certainly wouldn't strip it at a hub like SFO with its associated costs. They would have Victerville remove what they want and ship it to their engineering/maintenance facility. Far cheaper paying a bunch of yocals at Victerville to do this while the aircraft is parked on the grass next to a gravel access track than pay mechanics to do the same job in a hanger at SFO.

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

No, they clean out the company materials, get the coffee pots, get the logs and records all in order. This happens at a United maintenance center. The "last" United 747 went back to San Francisco after the revenue flight to Hawaii.

[@stockling4612]

This bird actually flew a revenue flight SFO to FRA and return (with me on board) the retirement flight (empty) was only SFO to Victorville. only a coat hangar and a few life vests on board with the pilots.

[@thedolphinDog]

SAD....when you think how many loved ones from around the world that plane has United

[@coastliner7009]

United are monsters how could they do this to the queen of the skies :(

[@RojoFern]

It's not just United... Apparently only European airlines (and Qantas) value this beauty anymore

[@stuartlee6622]

Coastliner700 Hillary on her broomstick is the QUEEN Of The Skies!!!!

[@stuartlee6622]

Coastliner700 n

[@LJDRVR]

Quite the opposite. We operated the airplane for almost fifty years. What have YOU done to further aviation? (Nothing) United is a for-profit company, the 747 is no longer economical to operate. It's the same reason you don't see any 707's or Ford Tri-Motors anymore.

[@wotan10950]

l RojoFern l El Al still flies the 747 in regular service, although they too are phasing them out with the arrival of 787s.

[@johnfarr2738]

Why not restore it and put it in a museum instead of letting it rot away in the dessert.

[@df446]

Who's writing the check?

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

The point of the dessert is that they DON'T rot. Seattle or Miami are good places for machines to rot.

[@waqarghulam3548]

John Farr just too many of them all can't go to museums.

[@Lyxzzzzzzzzzzzzz1]

Waqar Ghulam and it is cheaper to scrap it for useful materials

[@benzjiman6931]

They’re used for parts too. Engine parts, gear parts, cockpit just about everything so she will still be in good use :)

[@erickricharson5196]

It's a disgrace that airlines are doing this to the queen of the skies. They owe the 747 more respect than this. Any airline doing this to the 747 should be banned from flying until they put some back together fly them out of this place and give them new life.

[@stuartlee6622]

ANDERSON COOPER (AKA "Coopie") is The Queen of the Skies!

[@jimdep333]

Stuart Lee flaming TARD!!!

[@mrp9498]

I flew on this airplane from San Francisco to Frankfurt in June 2017.

[@philmontejano5971]

I flew on it from SFO TO CHICAGO

[@ronaldfish1569]

So sad to see the Queen go

[@paulhillbeats]

I know this is very memorable for some, but why are planes and boats called, “She”?

[@sanddabz5635]

Franz Liszt.....Cause just like women "she" boats & planes have lines, shapes & groves if ya get the picture.

[@jjd7831]

Dumb question! Could rich individuals buy those retired airliners, have them repaired, like brand new, for private use? If I'm not mistaken, John Travolta does own a Qantas jet...

[@skylineXpert]

In this economy then quad jets are too expensive to operate and since ETOPS introduction then no way we will ever get rid of them damn twin jets. Luckely i had a chance to try the upper deck on a KLM 744.

[@TheBlackLion24]

What a waste. It can still fly for 15 years and it looks still fantastic.

[@aldop07]

how old was the plane and did it get sold again ?

[@stockling4612]

Delivery date to United was 8/20/1998 and it is listed as "Stored" since this video was shot October 2017. So it was 19 years old and the manager at the Victorville storage facility said it would be either sold for cargo usage or used for parts for aircraft in cargo usage. But sadly, this aircraft's passenger carrying days are over.

[@aldop07]

@@stockling4612 that's sad. does it get used at all these days ?

[@stockling4612]

@@aldop07... No use since parked...as I walked through the plane when it was parked I just couldn't get over what a tragic waste it seemed to be. My friend that flew it was visibly saddened to park it for the last time and walk away (to get trained on the 787).

[@aldop07]

So its still there then? So.sad what a beautiful machine

[@scottcampbell5478]

it returned from FRA with PX

[@badsanta69]

Final run for the pilot too? Might as well blow some tires or some other juvenile mischief...

[@jeffbelaire8450]

Bad Santa ....fortunately. ...pilot is on to 787's...otherwise, I was asking for the inverted fly-by. ;-)

[@SKS8080]

You know that’s exactly what the pilot was thinking

[@arielg7000]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@aidanherbel7436]

So sad😭😭😭😭😭

[@themopedmetallist]

Didn't make the water cannon spray, Bundy

[@BLACKMONGOOSE13]

Tower. Permission for a fly by?

[@sanddabz5635]

BLACKMONGOOSE ......pattern is full request denied

[@workingboat]

Cant see the point when there are vintage aircraft still in service..

[@peterblackburn7269]

just like this gorgouse plane even they get old sore kreks groans cant keep sending them to run marathons off to retirement home !! saddly then even they die but what a career its had with so many memory’s

[@henryfreeman7748]

What I need to understand is what make a fine looking jet like this one a candidate for retirement? This aircraft doesn't look like junk. It looks as though it could still make profit. I really like to understand.

[@sanddabz5635]

Henry Freeman, the 747 has become too costly to operate for passenger revenue

[@adnarim2008]

RIP giant “bird” .

[@philmontejano5971]

Should have done a low pass. Last chance missed.

[@SKS8080]

And still no CPUs cleared for that flight. Lol

[@maryellis3661]

if its flown to a boneyard there wont be a next purchaser they get broken up :(

[@MojaveDan]

Many of the 747s are converted to cargo planes

[@juancarlosgonzalez3340]

Me da una triztesa very que estos aviones tan funcionales Sean retirados. Es MA's o memos lo que siente cuando una persons we jubila de una empress, cuando le Dan su carta de retiro siente uno que ya no sirve para nada.😭

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

Te serviria apuntar a una clase de espanol basico.

[@kingboagart899]

Shaddup the both of you

[@cheesesandwich9475]

dad: why y cryin so damm loud?

[@doulasc]

A beautiful 747 going to death row.

[@olentangy74]

Not necessarily. Many 747 passenger liners are converted to freighters and fly for another decade or more.

[@Cerby1979]

Some carriers (not the US carriers) fly the newer 747-8 model. Not sure if it’s anymore fuel efficient than the 747-400 though

[@olentangy74]

Nicholas Gauthier UPS has taken delivery of three 8 models , with 11 more coming. It has a brand new engine which will make it more fuel efficient than the 400 series.

[@Cerby1979]

olentangy74 that’s good to know then.

[@doulasc]

olentangy74 do you happen to be from Delaware County Ohio because we have a Olentangy High School here

[@d7seven]

Poor Airplane

[@ron.carguy2756]

Omg... no.. i feel so bad...

[@josejimtharayil1511]

this is where the 737 MAX should be in

[@geanreck]

This is sad 😞.

[@jorgeenriquemendez5031]

why that united 747 pass away it look good

[@stockling4612]

It was perfect...I flewonit to Germany the day before. United airlines retired ALL 747's and trained pilots to fly new aircraft

[@Lyxzzzzzzzzzzzzz1]

US airlines are liking twin jets now

[@howward4071]

Where's the shower of affection?

[@MichaelBrown-hx7gf]

She left lipstick marks on my logo as well ;}

[@fordlandau]

QANTAS fortunately still has the 747 till 2020.

[@paulpeck6076]

I'd rather fly on this plane with thousands of landings, and thousands of hours, than a new Airbus. American all the way , Baby!