This 747 Classic is a 747-121, N747GE, the former General Electric engine testbed that had been flying since 1992 for GE. At the time of its retirement in November 2018, it was the oldest active 747 in the world. ⠀ ⠀ Originally delivered to Pan American World Airways in March 1970 as N744PA, this particular 747 was the 25th 747 built (LN 25) and was originally christened “Clipper Star of the Union”. In 1982, Pan Am renamed it “Clipper Ocean Spray” and it flew for Pan Am all the way to the airline’s eventual shutdown in 1992 when it was sold to General Electric to become an engine testbed. ⠀ ⠀ Most of the interior was removed and the left wing and empennage were strengthened to make it suitable for engine test work. Re-registered as N747GE, the aircraft test flew the GE90, GEnx, Engine Alliance GP7200, the CFM56, and the CFM LEAP. ⠀ ⠀ When GE retired it in November 2018, it was just three months shy of its 50th anniversary of its delivery to Pan Am. It has been replaced by an ex-Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400 that has had its winglets removed as they’re not necessary for the sort of flying GE has planned. ⠀ ⠀ I took this photo of N747GE at the Pima Air & Space Museum this past March where it was being prepared for eventual display. ⠀ ⠀ November Aviation Photo Challenge | @kjdphoto1971 | #1119planes | “Boeing” | Day 29⠀ ⠀ #avgeek #aviation #aircraft #planeporn #PimaAirandSpaceMuseum #Pima #Tucson #DavisMonthan #Arizona #airport #planespotting #instaplane #instagramaviation #Boeing #747 #N747GE #GE #GeneralElectric #instaaviation #aviationlovers #aviationphotography #flight #AvgeekSchoolofKnowledge #AvGeekNation (at Pima Air & Space Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5c5DPlB0GY/?igshid=g6p8j0v94vmj
