U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for February 9

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9: JUMBO JET AGE

Profile America -- Wednesday, February 9th.  On this date, test pilot Jack Waddell and his crew made aviation history, as they took off on the inaugural flight of the Boeing 747.  The design started in 1965 as a losing bid for an air force cargo aircraft, but became a passenger airliner at the urging of Pan American World Airways.  The 747 entered commercial passenger service early in 1970, and is still in production.  Many different versions have been built over the years, some carrying more than 500 passengers, others with a range of over 8,300 miles.  With its distinctive bulge behind the cockpit, it is one of the most recognizable aircraft.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission

www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/747

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2011, t. 1068

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau