NASA 747SP SOFIA Test Flight, Touch 'n' Go, & Final Landing at Christchurch Airport [4K]

Signalling the end of Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy's (SOFIA) operations outside of the USA, this check flight came after an unfortunate end to it's dual mission role in Christchurch, New Zealand. Sustaining damage during an in-flight storm, uncertainty rose about its remaining flights, ultimately choosing to not extend the stay and fly back to Palmdale via Honolulu three days later. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience for me as soon afterwards NASA flew the last of its missions from Palmdale on 28 September 2022, officially ending SOFIA's operations. ENJOY! Support me:    / @mijithd   *****AIRCRAFT INFORMATION***** Airline: NASA Aircraft: Boeing 747SP-21 Reg #: N747NA Manufacturer: Boeing Engines: 4x Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7J Flight number: NASA747 Christchurch (CHC) 11:02am - Christchurch (CHC) 12:54pm **Filmed on 8 August 2022 NZST** EQUIPMENT USED Camera: Nikon Z7 Lens: Sigma Contemporary 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Mount Adapter: Nikon FTZ Microphone: Rode Videomic Pro+ Tripod head: Manfrotto Nitrotech 608 Tripod legs: Manfrotto 536 - MPRO Carbon Fiber Half ball: Manfrotto 500BALL 100mm Social media Facebook:   / mijithd   Twitter:   / mijithd   Instagram:   / mijit_hd_photos   Also check out My Channel:    / mijithd   My Playlists:    / mijithd   MiJiT HD COPYRIGHT 2022. For authorized use of any part of this video, please contact me. #ChristchurchAirport #CHC #Christchurch #NewZealand #PlaneSpotting #Aviation #Avgeek #Aircraft #Airbus #Boeing #AirbusA320 #AirbusA321 #AirbusA330 #AirbusA340 #AirbusA350 #AirbusA380 #Boeing737 #Boeing747 #Boeing757 #Boeing767 #Boeing777 #Boeing787 #A320 #A321 #neo #A330 #A330 #A340 #A350 #XWB #A380 #737 #737 #747 #747SP #757 #767 #777 #787 #Dreamliner #NASA #SOFIA #StarAlliance #Oneworld #Skyteam #Landing #Takeoff #GeneralElectric #RollsRoyce #PrattandWhitney #4K