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: https://www.jettest.aero/company-information
Another Joy Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/AnotherJoy-Foundation-232345283480818/

Cover Image: https://www.instagram.com/west_coast_aviation/

37 Comments

  1. 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.

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

  3. How does flying these aircraft work in regards to type rating? Does a pilot have to be type rated for ferry flights or is than only for airline transport operations

  4. Yep, it is great that she gets another chance to fly again but to see the other queens of the sky, sitting outside in the blazing sun in various states of disrepair is heartbreaking. I remember as a kid when I saw my first brand new Boeing 747 sitting on the airport tarmac, just after it flew all the way from the Boeing factory in the early 1970,s. It is still a beautiful aircraft after all these years.

  5. I work at the stater bros distribution center next to Norton air base and I remember seeing this plane get overhauled that’s so cool.

  6. Wouldn't want to be in it flying. Heaven knows what has deteriorated inside and looks quite grubby. Good luck guys.

  7. I just did a search on N27063 and, sadly, it seems to have returned to "storage" as of 09/2022. Anyone have any more info on that?

  8. As soon as you mentioned Covid I quit watching, gave a dislike and a report, along with a " not interested " for your channel…, unfortunately it was less than a minute to end of video by then.

  9. Thanks sharing Sam. I eco all said, no wonder why title Queen of Skies suits her. Here is another example of that passenger transformation to air carrier. The work involved to crew & pilots who does this. I get amazed to see closeup of that massive gear swing, avionics room, the amazing cargo load from passenger. I still get amazed how these old birds can fly, even a x private pilot I am have understanding of it.

  10. when I was 6 I took my first flight from delhi airport to bangalore while boarding I saw a Massive plane and ask my dad are we flying from it he said no and it is only for international and costly flight from then I made it my dream to fly on boeing 747

  11. Good ol' Chui. Nothing brings joy in my heart more than seeing a mothball 74' being returned to service. What. A. Joy.

  12. My son at 15 once said, Dad I want to learn to fly.. He became an airline pilot at 21. Fast forward 18 years from flying small twin jets to the larger 767 for a Japanese airline he now has achieved his ultimate dream as F O flying the 747 freighter. To say I'm proud is an understatement!!

  13. I wonder how much that refurbishment cost?!

    I'm a 35 year veteran Commercial Truck Owner Operator and I would like to buy and refurbish a 747 from a boneyard and become a global air-cargo aircraft owner operator.

  14. For covid you will lift B747 please bring some food to kids in Africa, Asia, south America… You are just propaganda…

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