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Step back in time with the oldest Boeing still flying
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After an 18,000 hour restoration, over a period of eight years, Addison Pemberton has finally finished a dream.
Along with 62 volunteers, he's rebuilt the only flyable Boeing model 40 in existence. And it's officially the oldest Boeing still flying, having been built in 1928.
Take a look at this EAA video offering a glimpse into 1920's air travel. It's hard to imagine that less than thirty years later, Boeing would fly the first 707 airliner.
Addison and his Boeing Model 40C will be touring the country this summer, if you get a chance, check it out.
After an 18,000 hour restoration, over a period of eight years, Addison Pemberton has finally finished a dream. Along with 62 volunteers, he's rebuilt the only flyable Boeing model 40 in existence. And it's officially the oldest Boeing still flying, having been built in 1928.
Take a look at this EAA video offering a glimpse into 1920's air travel. It's hard to imagine that less than thirty years later, Boeing would fly the first 707 airliner.
Addison and his Boeing Model 40C will be touring the country this summer, if you get a chance, check it out.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jaes S. Prine Jun 22nd 2008 10:09AM
What an inspiring story! This man's long quest to find this rare, beautiful airplane and to actually restore it to airworthy condition...incredible. Thanks to all involved in this wonderful project!
Paul Stamison Jun 22nd 2008 6:46PM
All I can say is a BIG WOW!!! I hope to see it when you tour with it I live in Virginia, tell me when you'll be here. I'm sure the Smithonian at Dulles airport would invite you in a fly in. Or better yet if you contact the Flying Circus near Warrenton Va. They just might let you drop in,it's aprivate airfield with barnstroming shows and examples of that era's planes. Looks nice and having it as a flying example and showing it makes it all that much more real to people to see what they were like and what they sound like. Good luck and have a adventureous flying year with it.
bryan Jun 22nd 2008 10:19AM
that is really cool i love older stuff its built well and built to last
Mike Jun 22nd 2008 11:41AM
I'd rather have my Malibu with weather radar, a 250 kt. cruise and reliable turbine than any piston airplane with any number of engines. Remember, that Boeing didn't "last." It crashed, spent seventy years in a barn, and was then resurrected.
Trust me, kid. I've flown old (DC-3's, A-26's) and new. New is better.
paramission Jun 22nd 2008 10:32AM
The Model 40 is flying, but Boeing can't get the 787 of of the ground!!!
reed9277 Oct 25th 2009 4:16PM
Stupid AOL... Why the hell would this plane scare anyone? Because it's old, so it's perceived as "rickety"?
IMO, this is really cool. Good on them for doing that.
Kent Wien Jun 22nd 2008 10:38AM
Hi Reed,
What did the AOL headline say? Just curious.
Justin Glow Jun 22nd 2008 11:34AM
"This Boeing Plane Will Scare You"
Boo!
John Hall Jun 22nd 2008 10:48AM
what a great video, story, and im not even a pilot or plane inthuesist. Keeping America alive, thanks Mr. Addison, and all the volunteers.
gary olszewski Jun 22nd 2008 10:51AM
An 80-year-old plane still usable? Thank You! Whenever I see an article about the "AIRBUS" which was never meant to be a good airplane but to "capture a segment of the market" I think back to that one's prototype flight at the Paris Airshow, where the "world's first pilot error-proof plane" crashed on takeoff into the woods, or the 2001 New york crash because the plane's plastic tail broke off! Thanks but no thanks! When I travel by air, I'll go Boeing or stay home!
Rick Jun 22nd 2008 2:06PM
You mean like the all composite Boeing that is yet to get off the ground and then, on cue, break off its plastic tail?
Jesse Jun 22nd 2008 10:53AM
Leave it to AOL to come up with a title like "This Boeing Plane Will Scare You"
What a stupid, clueless, downright lie as a lead in to a story that has absolutley NOTHING to do with scaring you or anyone else. Idiots.
Walkin07 Jun 22nd 2008 10:56AM
Scary, no. Awe Inspiring, Yes.
People do not realize how much their lives are affected by technology. As stated in the video, in 1928, this plane took mail across the country in two days 98% of the time, instead of week or more that it would have taken by train, or the month required by auto.
Today if our digital communications network was suddenly obliterated, how would we live reverting back to the post office as our most efficient means of communications?
And BTW, that 98% delivery rate outshines our carriers today. Maybe they couldn't handle the volume, but they were truly pioneers.
John Hall Jun 22nd 2008 12:00PM
What a great video, and story, and im not even a pilot or plane entusist. Just a great part of being an American. Thanks Mr. Addison, and all the volunteers.
Nathan Booker Jun 22nd 2008 11:21AM
Makes me want to fly now before my life is done, sorry not on those modern planes, need to fly open. This article gave me goose bumps and a quiver in my heart as I listened.
Thanks
precise413 Jun 22nd 2008 11:17AM
Oh no!! I am going to have nightmares over this tonight!! Wow AOL. Give me a break. lol
CaptAmerica Jun 22nd 2008 11:16AM
What a classic. I'd give your left nut to fly that beauty.
Tony Jun 22nd 2008 11:17AM
Oh no!! I am going to have nightmares over this tonight!! Wow AOL. Give me a break. lol
For tyhose who may wonder.. AOL posted a headline as follows: Travel Tidbits
This Boeing Plane Will Scare You
Tony Jun 22nd 2008 11:37AM
For those who may wonder. AOL posted a headline as a link to here as follows: Travel Tidbits
This Boeing Plane Will Scare You
KOELNMUSIK Jul 13th 2008 6:51PM
I am so delighted to find this blog! WIEN AIR ALASKA is a memory of mine and I had friends that flew for your families company. You must be the brother of Kurt? I was with Western Airlines, then merged with Delta Air Lines in 1987. This blog is informative and eduating the public! My gracious thanks!