Boeing began building its first 747 in September 1967. Malcolm Stamper, General Manager of Boeing's 747 program put together a group of 50,000 engineers, administrators, secretaries and construction workers he called "The Incredibles." They were incredible for producing the world's largest civil airplane in only 16 months. The first 747 rolled out of Boeing's Everett plant on September 30, 1968. The original 747 was almost as long as a football field (231 ft. 4 in.) and had a wing area bigger than a basketball court (5,500 sq. ft.). Its tail was higher than a six-story building (63 ft. 5 in.). It cruised at 640 mph and could carry almost 500 passengers.