The one-of-a-kind Antonov AN-225 Mriya (which translated means Dream) is a super-sized cargo transport aircraft. A second, partly-completed airframe was known to exist, and every once in a while a rumor surfaces that it too will be completed and put into operation, but there is no concrete evidence of this twin being activated at this time. Since it is a rare visitor to any airport, when (what was once called) the “largest aircraft in the world” is scheduled for a visit, crowds flock to see it. I’ve seen it three times now, in three different decades for three different reasons. A fourth time eluded me, as it flew over my home… and on top of a broken cloud layer. I heard it loud and clear though!

The aircraft was built in Kiev, Ukraine by the Antonov Company specifically to haul t...

United Airlines B-757-222 about to land at Washington Reagan National Airport.

Here is out seventh Random Civil Aircraft photo album, enjoy!

Prince Georges County, Maryland MD-500N NOTAR at Andrews AFB, Maryland.

US Airways B-737-3G7 approaching McCarren International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Westjet B-737-800 series landing Las Vegas, Nevada.

Continental Connection Q400 at Newark, New Jersey.

Continental Airlines Boeing B-737-500 series at Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey.

Jet Airways (India) B-777-35RER at Newark, New Jersey.

Canadair Challenger 604 at Nashua, New Hampshire.

Wingtip of a Compass Embraer ERJ-175 in flight bound to Memphis, Tennessee.

Embraer ERJ-170SE operated by Republic Airways, arriving Dulles International Airport, Virginia.

Delta Air...

Photos in this article come from many of CivilAviationWorld.com team…

On September 30, 1968, an airplane was rolled out of the Boeing factory near Everett, Washington that would change air travel for the world and become one of the most beloved commercial aircraft in aviation history. When it debuted, the Boeing 747 was the largest commercial aircraft in the world and featured revolutionary design innovations that have been incorporated into every aircraft designed since. The prototype, nicknamed the “Jumbo Jet” by the media, flew for the first time in February 1969...