The Museum of Flight's Restoration Center at Paine Field in Everett, Washington is home to the world's first Boeing 727. This prototype 727 was the first of 1,831 made when production ended in 1984. Until the 737 broke its record in the early 1990s, the 727 held the sales record for the most popular jet airliner ever built. This particular airplane, N7011U is a Boeing 727-22 that was rolled out on November 22, 1962 and then first flew on February 9, 1963. Unlike many Boeing test aircraft, this 727-22 was delivered to United Airlines and entered commercial service, entering service on October 7, 1963. It flew mainline routes with United until January 13, 1991 when it was donated to the museum. Prior to the handover, it was repainted in its delivery colors. It flew 64,495 hours with 48,060 landings. Restoration began under T.C. Terry Howard and Steve Huemoeller in 1994. United has stripped many components off of the 727, though many were later donated back by UAL. When Fed Ex donated a Boeing 727 in 2003, restoration activities picked up. The plan is to get the plane to ferry flight condition within the next few years to get it down to the Museum of Flight's main museum at Seattle's Boeing Field. Volunteers, parts, and cash contributions are very welcomed by this passionate and motivated group. Contact crew chief Bog Bogash at 360-638-1698 and visit his site at http://rbogash.com/ual727tx.htm

Though the exterior and components still have a long way to go, progress is being made, and the cabin/avionics are in very good condition.

Special thanks to Terry "T.C." Howard for spending the day with us at Airchive and giving such a fantastic tour, not only of the 727 but of the entire facility.