NASA's SOFIA: the world’s only flying observatory, a highly modified Boeing 747SP, now retired and on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum.

Taking off from ORD

Olympic Airways' preserved Boeing 747-200 (SX-OAB) in classic livery at the old Athens Ellinikon Airport — an iconic relic of Greece's aviation history.

Nose and forward fuselage close-up of preserved Lufthansa Boeing 747-230 'Schleswig-Holstein', Technik Museum Speyer.

Landing at March ARB the day before heading to the Pima Air & Space Museum.

The rare Boeing 747-400LCF Dreamlifter on the ramp, instantly recognizable for its massive bulged fuselage used to transport Dreamliner parts.

Terminal

The VC-25A 'Air Force One' climbs out, carrying the President of the United States on one of the world's most famous aircraft.

The iconic Air Force One aircraft spotted at PHL.

The aircraft appears to be stored or out of operation. The Transaero livery is significant as the airline no longer exists.

On display with the replica Space Shuttle Independence mounted on top; this is not an operational shuttle but a permanent exhibit.

VC-25A is an exceptionally rare and historic aircraft, with advanced communications, defensive systems, and specialized onboard accommodations for the President and staff.

The aircraft on top is a full-scale Shuttle replica named 'Independence,' not an actual flown orbiter, but this 747 (N905NA) did, in fact, ferry real Space Shuttles for NASA.

This aircraft no longer flies; it serves as an interactive exhibit and event space for aviation fans and history buffs. Northwest merged into Delta in 2008, making this one of the last flying US passenger 747-200s before…

GE 747-400 testbed in the Arctic doing cold weather testing on a leap engine at Fairbanks International Airport

FlyPro Cargo Boeing 747-200 ER-BAR

This aircraft is a favorite among aviation tourists in South Africa and is used for guided tours and educational purposes, making it a popular historic attraction.

Photo location Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, where a preserved 747 is displayed as a prominent outdoor exhibit.

This photo captures vortex condensation effect during approach, a spectacular sight made possible by humid/onset of rain conditions and high-lift configuration.