When the final flight of a VC10 takes place, probably in 2013, many will lament the passing of the most aesthetically pleasing first generation airliner. Even though the VC10’s production run was woefully short, the VC10 is still a favourite of many – crew, passengers and enthusiasts alike. There were four first generation long-haul jets. If airlines did “dating” the 707 would have been the average girl next door, the DC-8 isn’t a looker but it is safe, hardworking and reliable, the Convair 880 was the racy party animal that burned out early, and the VC10 was the trophy wife – the one everyone looked at, beautiful then and still great to look at fifty years on.
