As an aviation expert with extensive knowledge in the field of aeronautics and aircraft operations, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question about flying a Boeing 747 with a single engine.

The Boeing 747, commonly known as the "Queen of the Skies," is a large, long-range, wide-body commercial jet airliner designed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is equipped with four jet engines, which provide the necessary thrust to propel the aircraft through the air. However, the question of whether a 747 can fly with just one engine is a valid one, and the answer is affirmative. The 747 is designed with redundancy and safety in mind, ensuring that it can operate safely even if one or more engines fail.

Engine Redundancy and Safety Features
The 747's design incorporates multiple engines to provide redundancy. This means that if one engine fails, the other engines can compensate for the loss of power. The aircraft's engines are also strategically placed to ensure that the loss of one engine does not significantly affect the aircraft's balance or control. Moreover, the aircraft's control systems are designed to automatically adjust for the loss of an engine, ensuring that the pilots can maintain control of the aircraft.

Pilot Training
Pilots of commercial aircraft, including the 747, undergo rigorous training that includes scenarios where one or more engines may fail. This training is designed to ensure that pilots are prepared to handle such situations with confidence and skill. They are trained to manage the aircraft's systems, maintain control, and safely land the aircraft even with an engine failure.

Engine Failure Scenarios
In the event of an engine failure, the flight crew will follow established procedures to address the situation. This may involve adjusting the thrust of the remaining engines, altering the flight path, and preparing for an emergency landing if necessary. The aircraft is designed to fly on three engines if needed, and in some cases, it can even take off and land with just one engine, although this is not standard operating procedure and is typically reserved for emergency situations.

Historical Incidents
There have been instances where commercial aircraft have successfully continued their flights or made emergency landings with engine failures. A notable example is the incident you mentioned involving a four-engined Virgin Atlantic 747. Over the United States, the aircraft experienced an engine failure, but the pilots were able to safely manage the situation and land the aircraft without further incident. This demonstrates the robustness of the aircraft's design and the skill of the flight crew.

Regulatory Requirements
Aircraft like the 747 must meet stringent regulatory requirements set by aviation authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These requirements ensure that the aircraft can safely operate with a reduced number of engines and that pilots are adequately trained to handle such situations.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while flying a 747 with just one engine is not the norm, it is entirely possible due to the aircraft's design, redundancy features, and the extensive training of its pilots. The 747 is a testament to the engineering marvels that make modern air travel one of the safest modes of transportation.

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In fact it can even take-off and land with just one engine. Losing an engine in flight is not a particularly serious problem, the pilots are trained to fly the aircraft should an engine fail. ... A few years ago a 4 engined Virgin Atlantic 747 (a jumbo jet) had an engine failure over the United States.read more >>