Boeing is now “upcycling” retired aircraft parts and making them into “luxury aviation” furniture. Prices range from $5,500 to $19,500. What caught my eye was their top of the line chair at $19,500, made from the ejection seat on an F-4 Phantom II. Having flown in F-4’s in the Navy, it was like love at first sight all over again. These were the first rocket seats that greatly reduced the possibility of injury to flight crews if they had to eject. While the F-4 ejection seat was certainly not all that comfortable and weighs close to 500 pounds, it would sure be a conversation piece in any home.
If an ejection seat isn’t your style, there are plenty of other interesting aviation items to choose from for those with a “flying high” spirit. – Dr. Tom
