When launched, the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar was the most technologically-advanced widebody commercial airliner ever. This aircraft made leaps forward in efficiency, comfort, and safety. 50 years ago, the L-1011 even had the capability to land itself at certain airports in zero visibility weather, when other planes like the Boeing 747 would have to divert. Yet the L-1011 is the same aircraft that nearly bankrupt the company that built it. Lockheed incurred billions of dollars in losses on the L-10

Rare footage from an Eastern Airlines Flight Engineer, recorded on a VHS tape in 1986. Shows an Eastern Airlines L-1011 TriStar, registration N317EA, on the ground in New York City. The full tour includes exterior shots, a cabin walkthrough, the galley on the lower deck, and cockpit shots. The plane, N317EA, was delivered to Eastern Airlines in 1973. After the unfortunate closure of Eastern, it was delivered to Air Algerie for a few months, and then American Trans Air. In 1991, the plane was del