American Notes AIRCRAFT

When it was proposed in 1963, the supersonic transport was touted as an air traveler's dream. Flying at 1,782 m.p.h., it could cross the Atlantic in less than three hours. But in 1971, after $1.2 billion had been spent, the U.S. gave in to swelling environmental and economic criticism and killed the project. The only full-scale prototype of the 288-ft.-long SST was sold to an aircraft museum in Kissimmee, Fla., for $31,000.

A few years later, the Osceola New Life Assembly Church bought the hangar, and the SST was thrown in for free. Pastor Ernie DeLoach began holding services in the hangar, with the pterodactyl-like mock-up perched near his pulpit. But now the building needs renovation, and the SST must go. Unless someone comes to the rescue, the church will sell it to the highest bidder. One proposal: hack up the plane into 1-in. squares to be sold for souvenirs.