Story Published:
Feb 9, 2009 at 3:16 PM PST
Story Updated:
Feb 9, 2009 at 3:24 PM PST
The Video Vault is back today after a short break. Thank you for all the great feedback.
Today is the 40th anniversary of the maiden flight of the first Boeing 747, christened the "City of Everett."
But here's the twist - I'm not showing the takeoff of the plane! Today we'll take a look at the building of this plane that had such a huge impact on the aviation industry.
In June of 1966, Boeing purchased nearly 800 acres of land near Paine Field in Everett. The first 747 rolled out of the giant hangar in December of 1968.
In that 2 1/2 year period, a forest was cleared, the largest building in the world was built, and the largest passenger jet was built and ready for flight. An incredible feat by those dubbed the "Incredibles."
A few days before the rollout, KOMO aired a documentary called "Making of a Giant." Art McDonald, who worked here in the 1960's and '70's narrated the special. I've edited it down to about 9 minutes here.
Hope you enjoy it, especially the jazzy music used -- remember, it was 1968!
Watch the video! See more from Joe's Vault >>>