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Options Explored for Stratoliner Restoration

Posted by bdk on Wed Apr 03, 2002 11:12:12 AM

Options Explored for Stratoliner Restoration

Seattle, April 2, 2002 ? Boeing currently is determining the overall feasibility of restoring the 307 Stratoliner airplane to the condition it was in when the initial restoration was completed last year. The team has inspected the damage and while it is generally more than anticipated, the primary airplane structure is largely intact. The Boeing team will begin looking at all options as soon as possible.

Now that the airplane is back at Boeing facilities in Seattle, current priorities are to focus on the removal and salvage of the airplane's interior, including instruments and radios, seats and cloth fabrics as well as the wood paneling. The challenge will be removing the salt water and cleaning the fabrics before it becomes permanently stained.

The Boeing Stratoliner team is especially grateful to the public for the outpouring of support for the recovery efforts. Boeing has received dozens of e-mails offering support and volunteering assistance in restoring this airplane to flying condition. This support has meant so much to the team, realizing that there are many people around the world who appreciate this airplane's role in aviation history.

Special thanks go to the Seattle Harbor Patrol, the Seattle Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Foss team, Salty's Restaurant and so many more for the outstanding support provided during the crew rescue and airplane recovery efforts.

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