Boeing 747-400 Dreamlifter (N747BC) parked next to the Future of Flight at Paine Field.

During our TweetUp at the Future of Flight last Sunday, we all had the opportunity to get a close look at one of the Boeing 747-400 Dreamlifters. Off and on during the last few months there has been a Dreamlifter parked next to the Future of Flight, which provides folks with a closer view.

I have been under a Boeing 747-400 on the tarmac a few times and even been pretty close to the Dreamlifter, but neither compare to walking under and around one. The aircraft has such odd  shapes and it seemed every angle provided an interesting photo.

On one side of the 747, was a parked Cessna 172. You can imagine that the Cessna looked quite small compared to the much larger Dreamlifter. On the other side of the Dreamlifter were five 787 Dreamliners. Someone remarked how small the 787’s looked compared to the Dreamlifter. I started to remark “yea you could fit one in the Dreamlifter,” when I realized the humor in that statement — they do fit in the Dreamlifter.

The Dreamlifter is used to transport Boeing 787 Dreamliner parts from around the world. The first Dreamlifter flew on August 17, 2006 and there is currently a fleet of four, which are all operated by Atlas Air.

This is one unique and interesting aircraft to say the least. Even if you can’t get under one on any given day, there is always a good chance you will find one parked at Paine Field or possibly taking off.

MORE PHOTOS:
* See rest of my photos of the Dreamlifter
* A few more photos from Jeremy with NYCAviation
* 16 photos from (@TxAgFlyer)