“I grew up under the flight path to Sydney's runway 16. I watched all the big planes on approach and dreamt of flying. In 1972, my parents took the family to Europe and I insisted we book on a 747 flight. It turned out to be on VH-EBA, City of Canberra. I asked if I could visit the cockpit and the Captain graciously gave me a tour while presenting me with my Junior V-Jet Club logbook and wings. Four years later I started work as an engineering apprentice and gained my first licence on the 747. Being a QANTAS staffer, I was fortunate to have travelled the world in 747s. There was no better way to do it. Eventually, I left QANTAS to pursue a career in flying starting as a bush pilot in Arnhem Land and eventually gained an Air Transport Pilot's Licence. My last 747trip was on VH-OEF for an Australia Day Antarctic Scenic flight. What a spectacular way to remember a grand old lady of the skies. Now, I fly my home simulator and have recreated the final flights of VH-OEJ, all the way to her resting place in Mojave. Thank you Boeing. Thank you QANTAS.”

Phillip Zamagias
Ground Engineer