Empire Airlines F.28 Solid Maple Tail Panel

Designed and crafted in the United States, this laser engraved solid maple panel depicts the vertical tail of the Fokker F.28 Fellowship in the markings of Empire Airlines (UR). The F.28 was designed as a simpler, more efficient jetliner than its competitors, and was targeted toward smaller airlines requiring a jet with a high degree of ground handling independence, good economics, and modest passenger loads. Seating up to 65 passengers in its initial Mk.1000 form that entered service in 1969, the F.28 used a large number of aerodynamic spoilers to facilitate low speed, short field operations, had a single cabin entry door with integral airstair, and underfloor holds could be loaded without the need for ramp service equipment. Coming to the market after the BAC 1-11, DC-9, and Boeing 737 were already firmly established, 241 F.28s were built through 1987, most going to small airlines in small numbers. Later development of the F.28 led to the Fokker 100 and Fokker 70. Each tail panel is