Yes, Iron Maiden front man Bruce Dickenson is a licensed pilot. He’s worked the controls of 757s for years, including a stint as a captain for Astraeus, a now-defunct UK charter operation. And he’s operated “Ed Force One,” the tour plane for Iron Maiden’s recent tours. For the band’s The Book Of Souls tour which starts this week, however, the 757 was insufficient. With 70 shows spanning 35 countries and six continents more range was needed. Welcome the upgraded Ed Force One: A Boeing 747-400 specially kitted for the group. A friend of mine was in Wales this week to help send the plane off on tour. Here’s her report:
Also, Ed Force One can be tracked using your favorite online resource such as FR24:
✈️ @IronMaiden and #EdForceOne are on their way to @FLLFlyer to begin their tour. Track all flights with #ABD666. pic.twitter.com/34G6ZHRUPd
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) February 19, 2016
I’m going to keep my eyes peeled as we fly over Ft. Lauderdale this afternoon en route to Miami. Roughly zero chance of spotting it, but that won’t stop me from trying.
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Looks like the bird belongs to Air Atlanta Icelandic, designators CC or ABD – I guess that the Bruce Dickinson part of the ICAO designator is a coincidence.
I didn’t know FLL is capable of handling 747. I always thought 767 is the biggest aircraft they can handle. There is no 747 commercial service to FLL but perhaps it’s a gate limitation rather than runway space.