Concorde's maiden flight occurred on March 2, 1969, marking the first time the iconic supersonic airliner took to the skies. The flight was a collaborative triumph of the Anglo-French partnership between the United Kingdom and France.
Key Details of the First Flight
- Location: The flight took off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in
France.
- Aircraft: The prototype used was Concorde 001 (registration
F-WTSS).
- Pilot: It
was commanded by French chief test pilot André Turcat.
- Duration: The flight lasted approximately 27 to 28 minutes.
- Performance: During this initial test, the aircraft reached an altitude of
10,000 feet but did not exceed 300 mph (well below its eventual supersonic
cruising speed).
- Famous Quote: Upon landing, Turcat famously remarked, "Finally
the big bird flies, and I can say now that it flies pretty well".
