Jumbo: The extraordinary story of the Boeing 747, the plane that changed the world
Feb 2026 · Random House
Ebook
368
Pages
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Eligible
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About this ebook
PRE-ORDER the enthralling history of the iconic, world class Jumbo Jet, from former 747 pilot Scott Bateman
Nothing like Boeing's 747 had ever been seen before.
Everything about it was superlative. When it emerged from the Boeing factory in 1968, the sheer scale of the jet made clear the vision, boldness and scale of the engineering challenge that had been required to build it.
When the airliner took to the skies for the first time early the following year, it was the biggest, heaviest, most powerful and ambitious airliner ever to take to the air. It would go on to become an icon, described by Bill Gates as “the world’s first world wide web” because of the way it connected us, breaking down barriers between people and countries.
But Boeing's masterpiece didn't just democratize commercial air travel. In over half a century since that landmark first flight, the record-breaking 747 has served Presidents as Air Force One, explored the origins of the universe for NASA, fired airborne lasers, launched space rockets, hauled impossible loads, performed dramatic rescues, bombed forest fires and survived extraordinary close escapes to bring her passengers home safely.
Drawing on new interviews, privileged access to Boeing's vast archive, and his own personal experience, former 747 pilot Scott Bateman brings to life the extraordinary story of the 'Queen of the Skies' like never before.
Nothing like Boeing's 747 had ever been seen before.
Everything about it was superlative. When it emerged from the Boeing factory in 1968, the sheer scale of the jet made clear the vision, boldness and scale of the engineering challenge that had been required to build it.
When the airliner took to the skies for the first time early the following year, it was the biggest, heaviest, most powerful and ambitious airliner ever to take to the air. It would go on to become an icon, described by Bill Gates as “the world’s first world wide web” because of the way it connected us, breaking down barriers between people and countries.
But Boeing's masterpiece didn't just democratize commercial air travel. In over half a century since that landmark first flight, the record-breaking 747 has served Presidents as Air Force One, explored the origins of the universe for NASA, fired airborne lasers, launched space rockets, hauled impossible loads, performed dramatic rescues, bombed forest fires and survived extraordinary close escapes to bring her passengers home safely.
Drawing on new interviews, privileged access to Boeing's vast archive, and his own personal experience, former 747 pilot Scott Bateman brings to life the extraordinary story of the 'Queen of the Skies' like never before.
PRE-ORDER the enthralling history of the iconic, world class Jumbo Jet, from former 747 pilot Scott Bateman
Nothing like Boeing's 747 had ever been seen before.
Everything about it was superlative. When it emerged from the Boeing factory in 1968, the sheer scale of the jet made clear the visio...
About the author
Scott Bateman has been a professional aviator all his adult life. He began working as an air loadmaster on C-130 Hercules in the RAF in 1990, then was selected to train as a pilot in 1997, serving in the RAF for 18 years. Following his military career he worked as a pilot and fleet manager for a large airline. He now blends his aviation career with a successful career as a television producer through his company, 9-Line Media. Born and raised in a small village in Scotland, Scott now lives in the West Country with his wife and three adult children.
Scott Bateman has been a professional aviator all his adult life. He began working as an air loadmaster on C-130 Hercules in the RAF in 1990, then was selected to train as a pilot in 1997, serving in the RAF for 18 years. Following his military career he worked as a pilot and fleet manager for a ...
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