A letter from Rutland Water, the 747 in residence at Hiller Aviation Museum

Dear Supporter,

Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m the original Jumbo Jet, also known as The Queen of the Skies. Some people also refer to me as “the whale,” but I don’t appreciate that nickname as much because I’m much more at home in the skies than in the sea. My name is Rutland Water, and I am the 747 aircraft in residence at Hiller Aviation Museum.

I would still be in storage in Roswell, New Mexico, if not for the generosity of supporters like you. Instead, after 27 years of proudly flying for British Airways, I was able to begin my “retirement,” or what turned into my second career, at Hiller Aviation Museum. Since my arrival in San Carlos in 1998 nearly 2 million people have let their imaginations take flight with me.

I’m thrilled to be back in service after being closed at the start of the pandemic. Some visitors say I’m the best part of Hiller Aviation Museum! I love welcoming families, seniors, Scouts, classes on school field trips, and students from Aviation Camp to my flight deck and first-class cabin.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of my maiden flight, would you consider making a year-end gift to Hiller Aviation Museum? A gift to support me and my fellow aircraft in our mission of aviation education would be greatly appreciated and help us continue to use aviation as a gateway to inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers, and innovators.

Thank you for all you’ve already done to support education programs and exhibits (like me!) at Hiller Aviation Museum. You’ve helped develop this museum into an inspirational community resource that serves more than 100,000 people annually.

Please travel safe, and I look forward to seeing you at the museum in 2022!

Blue skies,

Rutland Water
Boeing 747-136 in residence at Hiller Aviation Museum