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Step back in time with the oldest Boeing still flying

by Kent Wien (RSS feed) on Jun 21st 2008 at 10:00PM

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.

Gallery: Boeing 787 "Dreamliner"

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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)

karen Jun 22nd 2008 12:02PM

Those Air Force C-130s, noisy, but they still work since I last flew in one 40 years ago.

karen Jun 22nd 2008 12:00PM

Remember C-130s of the US Air Force. They still have them and fly them. KH

Stick Jun 22nd 2008 12:12PM

Boeing has been building great airplanes for years. During WWII, B-17s could take incredible punishment from Luftwaffe flack sent up to greet them. Towards the end of WWII, the B-36 was developed, the last propeller Boeing bomber, then the B-47, the first Boeing jet bomber preceeded the B-52 (many of which are still flying despite having been built in the 1950s). Boeing had all this experience before developing the "Dash-80," the prototype of what came to be known as the 707. The 727 was built with experience from the 707, and the 737 (currently the world's most popular airliner) was based on the 727. The 747 was the first truly revoluationary Boeing since the 707. Of course, we now have the 757, 767 and 777 in service. Boeing has been continually updating engines, avionics ("Next Generation" "all-glass cockpits" and improvements to airframes (e.g., winglets). I was speaking with a First Officer from a major cargo service with type ratings in the 757 and 767 who was "deadheading" to his flight on a passenger carrier. He said he loved flying Boeing's all "glass" cockpits, which he said are designed for pilots, as opposed to the Airbus models, which are designed to automate everything and where the pilots are monitors. Give me a Boeing any day! P.S. So glad to hear the USAF is re-evaluating procurement of the next generation of aerial tankers...something that important to national security should be made by an U.S. manufacturer!

John kudrick Jun 22nd 2008 12:16PM

good God AOL,this plane will scare you,I started to hid behind the couch,what a stupid head line'''''''''''

Angiebaby Jun 22nd 2008 12:16PM

I hope this isn't making a comeback. I take back all the ugly (although true) remarks I've made about most of the airlines....

dallas bruhn Jun 22nd 2008 12:51PM

i love everything old, except women.

Jim Jun 22nd 2008 1:07PM

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER, AND THIS IS A BEAUTY!!! scary does not even come into play here.

E. Morris Jun 22nd 2008 1:12PM

A Restored Bi-Plane it looks great, would love too fly in it, slower, and would have a Good View of the Lanndscape!

Michael Coleman Jun 22nd 2008 1:17PM

THERE NOT GOING TO IRAQ DUMMIES ! IT WAS REBUILT FOR HISTORY, AND ENJOYMENT.

Neil Jun 22nd 2008 1:21PM

Awesome story!

Doug Jun 22nd 2008 1:48PM

I would hope that perhaps in its summer tour this wonderful plane might include a stopover at The Museum of Mountain Flying in Missoula MT.

web Jun 22nd 2008 1:46PM

The new Boeing Dreamliner, made of Plastic, in MULTPLE countries, of epoxy and composite materials and Assembled in Washington State is a disaster waiting to happen! Can you say FORD PINTO of the skies!