Small correction: The #2 engine is located at the extreme rear of the aircraft under the vertical stabilizer. The intake of the S-duct is the only thing on top of the fuselage.
Thank You ! As a medium time 720 pilot, I started to come unglued. Shout out to American Air Traffic Controllers who recognize 720 from KZAE. Long Live Aero Center ! ZM, 89-90
I was a 727 systems instructor for United in the early 90s when there were 3 variants that flight crews had to be familiar with- the Standard, the Stretched and the Advanced. I also was able to fly as Flight Engineer on Part 91 ferry flights to-from London. It was a great experience. It was a beautiful airplane!
An airplane near and dear to my heart. I flew 727's for 14 years at three different airlines. I ferried them to Europe and also ferried one from SFO to PHNL using portable Loran gear(long before GPS was common)
Every few years while playing golf, I am lucky enough to see VP-BAP climbing out of Van Nuys. It will make a turn to the east so we get a beautiful view of the port side.
727 is the greatest airplane ever built. Had 5 years as FO with Delta in the 90's moved on the the 75/76 FO then Captain, but the 727 was the most fun time of my career. You were a pilot on the 727, everything after that you are a button pusher ✅✅✅
@@PaulStewartAviation During the majority of my career, I primarily flew the 767ER, which had more powerful engines, resulting in a significant difference in performance compared to the 727. One notable aspect of the 727 was the lack of automation, which required pilots to manually operate and navigate the aircraft. This period likely represented the pinnacle of my piloting skills. In my opinion, the 727 and L1011 First Officer positions were the most fun jobs in the aviation industry. Today, the increasing prevalence of automation has diminished the role of pilots, reducing them to mere button pushers. If given the opportunity, I would gladly return to the 727 times and relive my experiences. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the memories I have accumulated throughout my career.
Back in the days when I was a kid, the 727 was the first commercial airliner I flew on. It was a Condor 727-230/Adv. This type of aircraft will therefore always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for the tour.
Just a little 727 story. My father was a mechanic for United and during the late 60's. We were based in Buffalo NY. and he was also a machinists union rep. On weekend days he may go to the hanger and pick up his paycheck and visit with the day shift guys and if I was lucky, he would bring me. They didn't seem to mind me roaming around as a fifth grader crawling around in the cockpits of the 72's,73's and Caravels playing pilot. What a memory! Later I got to fly all seats in the 727 100/200 and 200B at AA. She was the favorite jet of my career. Miss her dearly! Love your channel by the way. Thanks.
Thank you Paul, for the opportunity to view this historic 727 :-) The 727 was the first aircraft I ever boarded and features like the trailing edge triple-slotted flaps are still amazing. In 1995, when 727s were operated, I moved into a home 5 km north of Sydney International Airport. We experienced 727 takeoffs toward our home daily. No aircraft produced in the last 28 years can begin to compare to the sheer noise volume of a 727 departing an area. It was so extreme you'd wonder if the atmosphere itself might fracture--and this was after the engines were fitted with quietening 'Hush-Kits'. In 2023, older aircraft like 747-400's feel subjectively less than half as noisy as the grand old 727. Current jets, with wide diameter turbofans, are becoming truly whisper quiet by comparison.
Not only did I fly on the 727. I worked on them with American Airlines. We modified them with life rafts, then later ageing aircraft mods. I got taxi qualified on them as well. Got to taxi and maintain both the 100 and 200 models.
Thanks, Paul, for another walk down memory lane. In my youth, while I was in the US Navy, I used to fly on a 727 whenever I went on leave to see my family back home. In those days, entering or exiting the aft airstair was fun.
Back in the day, 70’s, flew a 727 out of St Thomas, Virgin Islands. Used the rear staircase to board plane. Small airport with the Caribbean Sea on one end and a mountain on the other end, so 727 was ideal jet for this route!
My uncle Harrold tried to tell me about this plane I would be flying back home from Sea-Tac to OKC in 1976 when I was 15. It was the first and only airplane I've ever flown on at 62 years old. His brother, my uncle Jimmie test flew the first one and flew AF-1 for three presidents. He flew JFK to Dallas and back on that tragic visit. James Andress was my great uncle. He and his copilot were both from a very small town in Oklahoma named Shattuck. He was on a mission in the air force in 1947 when he had to rush home as his hometown of Woodward was destroyed by the largest tornado in history at the time. 52 years later, i survived the May 3, 1999 tornado in Moore Oklahoma. His son Stephen has lived in London for years.
Thanks Paul - another iconic airliner. I remember watching them taxi, take off and land at YYZ in the good old days. You make note of the 727 being loud, but when she came out, as the engines were in the tail, Boeing merchandized the airplane as having less cabin noise due to this and gave the 727 the name of “Whisperliner”. :)
My dad had just turned Captain on the 727 for United and he took me out of school for a flight from Chicago to Sacramento and back. The 727 was only about a month old. I think it was 79? Still remember it like it was yesterday.
I loved the 727! Compared to the wide body jets, this was a rocket. Backing out from the gate using the engines was always a treat! Sounded like a shuttle launch and the vibrations were crazy! Thanks for the walk down memory lane :-)
I was a flight engineer on this very airplane many times during the late 1980s when I was a pilot for United Airlines. I recall one flight in N7001U where the captain had 20 minutes after our scheduled arrival at O'Hare to catch his commute flight home on a flight from RDU. We made it from push back at RDU to block in at ORD in 1 hour and 35 minutes. But to do that, we had to fly at Mach .89 most of the way and were in continuous Mach buffet. While being vectored for an approach at ORD to the old Runway 27 Left, the controller had us flying east bound at 13,000 feet over Lake Michigan and going away from the airport. I recall that we were flying at an indicated airspeed of 410 knots which was red line. The captain burned an extra 5,000 lbs of fuel on the RDU-ORD leg, but he made his commute flight. I was also a flight engineer on United airplane N7004U, which is now the Museum of Science and Industry in downtown Chicago.
I’m over 50 As a kid I took so many flights on the Boeing 727-I’ve lost count They were quite loud, yes…inside & out, but what a workhorse, and a damn fine looking airframe. The company that made these aircraft deserves our solemn thanks & praise (and for many other aircraft that moved our people across the globe AND helped WIN WARS).
My fav aircraft of all time, the B727-200 Stretch version. Flew on many of them growing up with several carriers. Then got to work on them a few times when I was a flight attendant with American Airlines before they retired them between 2000 to 2003.
Brings back memories. I remember servicing these classics back in the late 1990’s. Also major overhaul facility in Oakland California in the late 1980’s. They were rotted out by then. I did the aft airstair modification and remember the “DB COOPER” vane . I remember having to drill out entire stringers then cutting an access hole on the skin and pulling it out. I’ve worked on just about every jet aircraft that Boeing and Douglas have produced, also Lockheed L1011. From 707’s to 787’s. DC 8’s to MD11’s. Also Airbuses. A319-a320. Now I just feed the birds and squirrels.
Thanks for posting. Very enlightening. Boeing should have called the 3-engine jet the 737 and the 2-engine jet the 727. We had serious arguments, shouting matches sometimes, about this when we were little boys! But only when we weren't arguing about the evening meal being called "supper" or "dinner."
I worked for Mexicana Airlines as maintenance technician, at the final of the seventies, and we operated both, dash 100 and the dash 200. One way to see at a glance the difference between both, is to see the form of the # 2 intake engine; in the -100 is complete circular, while in the -200 is little oval. I recall Mexicana decide to remove the nose landing brakes assemblies to standardize the fleet, also in this same effort, Mexicana removed the jatto power units from all the planes of the fleet. The jato units were a couple of rockets, installed at the belly and behind the trailing edge of the wings, and thorough a chemical reaction and acting as turbo reactors, and activated at the command of the flight crew, they were able to supply with extra power when the airport elevation or the runway length was necessary for increasing the power for the take off. I only saw the activation of those fixtures in training flights, but never had the opportunity to see them, on revenue flights. With no doubt, in the Mexico City airport altitude, and during the hot season, the usage of those extra power supply, was very useful and necessary.
In the mid 80s, I was contracted as a mechanic to work on Mexicana 727s at DFW. Many fond memories.Your right about the JATO rockets as some of their 27s would arrive with rocket pods deactivated. I also remember XA-MEM coming in 3 days before it crashed in 86. The pilots could not get the number 3 engine to start. Myself and another mechanic had to change the ignitor plugs, exciter box, and the leads and it finally started. Other than that, it was a good aircraft. It would come in from time to time with no maintenance problems. I am saying this because it wasn't hot brakes at 33K feet that brought it down. I heard the real story but that's for another day. So sad , RIP.
@juarezvivo-sc2qi A few months after the crash of Mexicana flt. 940 ,XA-MEM, I was on a flight back to DFW from SFO when I met up with a Maintenance Coordinator from Mexicana whom I'd known. We were talking and I eventuaĺly asked him about the crash . He told me there were two bombs placed on board. One in the rear cargo compartment as the cargo door was found 14 miles from the crash site. The other was placed in rear left lavatory. In the debris they found part of the fuselage skin with large gapping hole which was later identified coming from the aft left lav. I believe they were placed there because the explosion, sudden decompression, and damaging the control cables, electrical and hydraulic lines which all run under the center floor boards and disrupted all flight controls to the horizontal stabilizer, elevators and the rudder. The captain had his family on board as the flight was scheduled to terminate at LAX and he had some time off and take his family to Disneyland. So sad,, to this day no one knows who or what the motive was. A brake fire at 33,000 feet,, yeah right.
I flew on 727s a few times back in the day, once on TWA and I don't recall the other airlines. I always enjoyed them because they were fairly quiet with the engines being in the rear. I've been through this plane as well. Nice video, thanks!
Thanks. Good show. I enjoyed flying the triplet for Continental, especially a bit on our cargo, convertible Air Mic subsidiary out of Guam through the islands. I retired early year-end 1981 to avoid the horror show of the mergers shortly thereafter. My last flight was to ferry a very empty -224 from LAX to PHNL on Dec 18, 1981, very carefully calculated, with c. 2,500 # fuel at shutdown at Hickham, the only 200 we ferried off of the west coast while I had the privilege of flying for that great, small airline. Best, romain
I still see these fly out of where I work and then see the new 747-8’s take off right after and the -8’s are so quiet compared to the 727. It’s amazing I might post a video.
One of my favorite airliners. For many years the 727 has been the best seller, #1 in sales followed by the DC-9 (another great plane), the 707 and the DC-8. The wing of the 727 is amazing. Much more complex of the other airliners of the time, but performing extremly well at cruising speed as at low speed. I always enjoyed looking at the flaps lowering during approaches. The 727 was replaced by another great airliner: the 757. By the way, I flew on 727s with Lufthansa, Air Algerie, Tunisair, TWA, People Express and Mexicana.
I remember the TAA and Ansett 727s. I was lucky to fly them both in the 1980s. I even got a TAA DC9 to Tassie. Gone from our Aussie skies now. Cheers Paul
I flew that very airplane at UAL. Had the opportunity to FE on it and eventually Captain and Line Check Captain on the 727. The reason for the 3 engines is at the time it was being designed, 3 engine airplanes had lower approach minimums than 2 engine models. This particular airplane was the very first one off the assembly line and was used by Boeing as a production prototype and eventually given to UAL after a test series. The S Duct was always an airflow issue on the #2 engine and was redesigned for the 200/stretch series to prevent compressor stalls. The airplane normally cruised at .80 Mach and would see 400 KIAS at lower altitudes, typically at 12,000’ MSL. The -100 series had issues with “Dutch roll” and required an operating yaw damper for high altitude flight. The service ceiling was 42,000’ MSL however the airplane had to be light and typically we didn’t fly much above FL 350. Tough to land consistently smooth because of main gear location and had a fairly restrictive demonstrated cross wind restriction for landings. Mainly because, the mostly centerline thrust did not require as much rudder displacement and the wing was low to the ground limiting slip to land capabilities in a strong cross wind. Great airplane and unique in design before fly by wire airplanes. Many thousands of hours of memories and challenges in the airplane. 9:55
I flew on these dozens of times 40 years ago and more for business. Just loved flying on 727 aircraft. They may have been noisy on the outside, but they certainly were not to me on the inside. I loved the security of having three engines, plus they were so graceful With those wing angles.
One of my all time favourites, flew on them with Ansett, United and Northwest in the 90s , Northwest used the rear air stairs a couple of times at La Guardia , I thought it was a special treat
My first experience of going on a plane was a TAA (I think) 727 in Australia about 40 years ago, and I went up the rear airstairs and assumed all aircraft were like that!
Wow ! This rekindles some memories when working at the SFO UAL service center during the 60's and 70's as an A&P line mech . Worked on this aircraft along with doing taxi runups. Probably also flew on it ..Had for that day and age a technologically advanced flight control system .Definitely was my favorite .
I worked for American from 1989 thru the end of 1993. I got a lot of rides on the 727. My first trip as an employee was in a 727-100. Probably my favorite jet of anything I ever flew in except the 757, that climbed like a Saturn V. The L1011 was a treat I got to ride in on an Eastern Airlines flight in 1985, from Miami to Nassau. The Rolls Royce fan growl of the 757 and L1011 is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard with my clothes on. 😂
I flew a lot as a drummer in the 70's the 727 made me feel safe flying at night. Delta never lost my drums or luggage. And you ate like a 5star hotel. I'd trade all my tomorrows to return to those days. A fan for life bill feilhauer
Always loved the 727. Luckily I'm just old enough that I was able to fly on a good amount of these when I was younger and also the 738 classics. The coolest plane I was lucky enough to catch was probably the last DC8 united flew and I just happened to catch it in what had to be one of its last years in service on a route from Cleveland to Chicago
I was invited to fly in the jump seat of a Boeing 727-200F in Brazil 3 years ago and I can say that this aircraft gives us a unique experience! I can really imagine how exciting it was to fly such a fast and agile aircraft when it was launched.
Wonderful video! Brings back lots of memories. I used to fly these things back in the day when I had to travel on business. The company was cheap and insisted on booking "midnight specials" between where I lived (Phoenix Az.) and our customer site (Toronto Canada). I was in my early 20's as a hot shot aerospace engineer they sent all over the world for our customers, but I didn't mind because in those days most of the "midnight special" flights out of Phoenix, non-stop to Chicago for my connection flight, were mostly empty. The airlines did it that way, because the planes would go on to New York to get morning travelers going back from New York on 8 am flights bound for Los Angeles. For me it worked out because I would lift up the arm rests on the seats, and sleep across three seats. Back then, the stewardesses (female ... that's right ... FEMALE ...flight attendants) were not only hot ... but really, really, sweet too. One time I woke up because of some minor turbulence over Kansas around 3 am-ish due to heavy storms that effected our flight (I remember we were at 41000 feet or so and not the usual 35,000 feet because they were trying to fly above the storms) but when I had awakened the stewardess not only had me covered me with a warm blanket, but tucked a pillow under my head. I went back to sleep shortly after that and that flight was smooth as silk. Those were the days. Anyway, "thanks for the memories" as Bob Hope was fond of singing. Again, I enjoyed the video!
Ah the old deliberate mistake to cause comment, yep i'm triggered by the middle engine location. It's in line with the other two engines and there is a S duct delivering the air from the tail fin air inlet. The 727 was like a jet fighter disguised as a passenger jet. Incredible acceleration on takeoff. They really sucked you into your seat once those really noisy engines started to burn. Yet in the cabin it was wonderfully quiet.
I remember flying on Pan Am’s 727s to the USVI’s short runways on St Thomas. Like landing on a carrier! Also got to board and deplane thru the air stairs. Always a favorite aircraft of mine.
I flew in a 727 only once, but it was quite memorable. In the summer of 1971, my folks and I were vacationing in California. It was the first time I’d ever flown, and I was more than excited. When mom and dad told me where we were going for our vacation, I immediately begged for them to see if we could fly on a new 747. My dad went to our travel agent to figure things out and came home with bad news. We would fly into San Diego, and at the time, the largest jet servicing San Diego was the 707. I was still excited, but somewhat let down. In the next several months we prepared for the trip. Everything from new clothes to luggage. We were staying with my aunt and her family, so that was a big savings. The day came and we headed to the airport in early June for my first flight. The takeoff was very exciting, I threw up. We landed at O’Hare in Chicago, people were exiting and boarding the flight for other connections. I was more interested in seeing all the international carriers coming and going. We got on our way again, but I fell asleep. Soon I felt my mother trying to wake me since we were landing soon. To my surprise, as I stepped out of the jet, it was pitch black outside, loud with lots of vehicles zooming about, and we had to deplane using stairs. It was a bit much for a 9 year old to take in. We ended up having the best summer vacation ever, we saw everything to see, but soon enough, my dad had to return early to get back to work. My mother and I stayed another few weeks. She even started school shopping for me. Soon everything was packed and ready to go. I really didn’t want to leave California, but those are the breaks. My uncle was driving my mom and I to the airport and decided to take a few “short cuts” that turned into delays. My mother was nervous we’d miss our flight. We ran into the terminal to check in. They were holding the plane for us. She said we’d have run like crazy onto the field to catch our flight. As we exited the terminal I saw a truck with stairs on it driving up to our flight. It was an American 727. I was confused. We walked through the cabin everyone grinning as we tried to find seats. Since were late, we couldn’t sit together. We were flying to LAX for a connection this time. I didn’t know why, but when your 9, don’t ask too many questions. The flight was very short. My mother sat me at a gate telling me not to move while she checked in at the proper gate. She came back winded, but mission accomplished. We didn’t have too long to wait for our flight, but when it arrived I understood why we flew home this way. A new American 747 inched its way up to the gate and stopped. My mom said “surprise”. After returning from California a few weeks prior, My dad visited our travel agent and asked if mom and I could fly home on a 747. She solved the problem and I was smiling the whole time we were boarding. It was a beautiful flight, I still have the Richie Rich comic book I was given, and the last surprise was there was a full size cocktail lounge at the rear of the plane with club chairs, end tables with chrome mushroom shape lamps, and a full size bar with a bar tender. My mom and I enjoyed looking out the windows while sipping on our drinks. We were landing soon, so back to our seats. After we landed, we could see my dad grinning ear to ear when we saw him from the jet walk. “Well” he asked “how was it?” I said it was the best part of the trip. Flying just isn’t like it used to be. Now people wear cutoffs and flip flops. I miss women in dresses and men wearing suits and ties. I know my story is too long, but it brought back lots of good memories.
Amazing to think the b727 used to fly atlantic routes esp into heathrow. With the front of a b737 but a fantastic looking rear tail and engine setup the b727 is one of my favorites
Huh. My friend was a crazy skydiver. He participated in an event where the rear stairwell was opened during flight and a bunch of skydivers did a jump from the plane. There was a whole technique to jump out of jet plane. Now you tell me about Cooper vane. Maybe a different plane also had a rear stairwell?
Great, love the 727 Aircraft and found this really interesting and took myself back to that which had me in 727-100 & 727-238 series of the Tri Jets and I was always impressed by her handling which you enlightened on in this feature and the what we called the Triple slat main flaps as Fowler flaps were a great aerodynamic addition to the aircraft especially on landings to short field strips, great attention to the black nose for those who may not if known about this and the apu set up, noise reduction etc,, have seen one flying around Turbofan engine's with a bit of modification mid section of tail for the in tail and in fuselage fit out for the aircraft but she was just so nice to fly. Loved it in terms of being specific and straight to the point. Regards John Australia
My first flight was on a United 727 in 1973. My sister and I got to go in the cockpit before the flight and each received Future Stewardess wings. I still have mine! BTW, my sister tried to open the back door thinking it was the lavatory. Thank goodness it couldn't be opened during flight by that time!
I was a ramp rat for UPS for several years (1986-1995), and loaded, unloaded (main cargo deck with containers and luggage pits with loose packages), even refueled for a year or two. UPS was one of few airlines that refitted all three engines on their -100 planes with the Rolls Royce Tay turbofan engines, in effort to make the planes quieter and less obnoxious since UPS was flying in and out of smaller airports at night. I used to laugh at the ramp workers who had motion-sensitive alarms in their cars when a 727 would take off, triggering a dozen or more car alarms in the parking lot four hundred yards from the end of the runway.
I donated many of those actuators under the wing and many other parts for the one time flight from Paine Field to Boeing Field. I scrapped 2 727-100s from Fed EX and the project manager, Terry Howard came to me and told me what he needed. I told him to take whatever he wanted. I also worked on them at Delta in the early 80s. DL had something like 124. Later I was married to a Delta FA and flew non rev on probably most of the 124 all over the country. Once, going into Tucson, they were unsure about the nose gear coming down, the USAF sent an F-16 up to check. I have pix. Toward the end of their life, DL was flying them across the country, like from Seattle to Atlanta. Lots of great memories.
I flew from Heathrow to Malta and back on a 727, in 1988. Former Prime Minister of Malta, Don Mintoff was in first class, it was a really nice plane. It was leased from Peruvian operator Faucett. Sadly it crashed off the coast of Canada whilst being retuned to Faucett in 1990, when it ran out of fuel.
Yes, I was laughing at the tail of the 727 behind you. Here in Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry we have a full size 727 that has been there more than 10 years. And yes, besides the fact that , I was a Purser Flight Attedant based here in Chicago.
Back in 1991 I worked for TWA [not flown] in JFK. Got to know a few people and found my way to flying the TWA 727 simulator. After the ride, the right seater complimented me as I was the only non-airline pilot not to crash it. I had hoped to get a ride on the 747 sim but unfortunately I got laid off and never got back to JFK. I was just thinking that its too bad the simulators weren't long term stored as they would be an amazing item/attraction at the TWA Hotel. Nice video....thanks for sharing
I flew on several different examples of the Boeing 727 back in the 1970's & 1980's. I've always thought it was an iconic aircraft, second only to the Queen of the Skies--the Boeing 747.
The sound of a 727 is insanely great especially when landing in Sydney australia in the 60,s 70,s On vacation as a kid in the U,S early 70,s many times these planes i remember were full of passangers who were all dressed nice unlike todays travellers
One of my favorite aircraft! Always loved flying on it. I used to travel between Detroit and Dallas quite a bit and I can remember flights that left the gate a bit late and still arriving ahead of schedule with the pilot seeming to hardly reducing the throttle at all after takeoff! That aircraft could really haul ass if it needed to!
First Boeing aircraft I flew on. Braniff from Newark, NJ to National Airport, DC, April 1980. Had a seat at the back just forward of the right engine intake!
Well done Paul - an extraordinary amount of detail is provided eg the Boeing 727 was the first commercial plane to have an auxiliary power unit on board - necessary for some of the smaller regional airports which did not have ground power units. . Great commentary and video footage
Dear Paul That 727-238 I mentioned was VH-TBM Named after a Famous Aboriginal Artist called Albert Namatjira if my spelling is correct, I think Probably isn't. I remember she was just out of Cat 3 maintenance and on the Taxiway just slightly pushing on pedal for brake you could here the main gear squeaking due to new brakes, it was her Fifth last flight and procurement wise I think she may have been one of the last 727s delivered to TAA, love them, then it was scale up to the , A300 and after Qantas took over the 747-300 and then 747-400 along with B767-200 & 300 and then the A330 and finally 787-9. Your channel as mentioned before I know is Unique in terms of your Extraordinary knowledge of all Aircraft far and wide, it's simply Brilliant, the subjects that you cover with all the types of Aircraft are stuff which today I don't think much about except it's there in terms of certain plane's, you must research your subject Aircraft for you show so meticulously that it shows through your explanation of everything Technical and Otherwise, You should Write a Book and put it on EBook for Download at a Price worthy of your knowledge and the time you put into your work but then we would be denied of listening maybe to your great Narrative which as I said always has me enthralled from start to finish, Just read one on the Lancaster and loved it and little did I know that the F111 length wise was as big as a Lancaster, didn't know that one but was told at Amberley by a Gentleman that flew B24 Liberators, then B29 Superfortress and he was like yourself so much knowledge but more so about that era where your experience in terms of watching your programs grabs you by the throat and keeps you watching until the last little bit. Sincerely John
I actually fueled an array of planes where I had the luck on fueling a 727 200 series. Analog Guage but easy to get to the hook up. Only thing is with the automatic fueling is not an option because the system does not regulate the in difference on weight to keep balance.
@6:10 Actually UPS operated a couple 727-100s with all three engines retrofitted with high bypass Rolls Royce Tays, the same model that powers the Fokker 70/100. But the larger 727-200 could only be retrofitted with two JT8D-200s on the outboard engines as they were too big for the number 2 engine housing.
I must admit, I don't think I've ever seen a 727 before. The only tri-jet I've ever been on, was the DC-10 and I didn't mind that one. Thanks for another great tour Paul. 😎
I took many flights on the 727 as a kid flying with my parents. One of the more harrowing flights was on a 727 as we were hit by terrible turbulence one time.
I remember flying aboard 727s as a kid, back in the 1980s. I always wanted a window seat either just in front of, or behind the wing, so I could watch the massive flaps and slats move!
The aircraft maintenance class i took at san francisco community college had the 3rd or 4th 727 built, it was given to the school, minus engines and APU, by United. The interior and flight deck were complete and we could use an old USAF GPU to power the electrical system. It was nice to have for going through and learning the layout of a commercial airliner. It helped that the school itself was at the north end of SFO right near UAL's large maintenance shops! many instructors were or had worked for UAL, AA and Pan Am and had plenty of stories and great information.
Wow, great video. I flew on many of them in my younger years. I didn't know about the brake on the nose gear. They were amazing airplanes at the time. I used to laugh seeing the moniker "Whisper Jet" painted on them. they were anything but quiet. It was noisy in there, very noisy due to the engine's design and proximity to the fuselage. And yes, we used to have a special place to hang our suits and extra gear, now sadly taken over by another row of grumpy air travelers :) Those seat colors are a great walk down memory lane. Thanks for the video!
This series is the best. I have seen this jet dozens of times (I'm a Museum of Flight member and live in Seattle) but this video was like rediscovering it. The research Paul does is some of the best in the business. Great series and I'll cross-promote Paul's channel on other aviation videos as this content is truly great.
I was so enamored with the B727 that in 1998, still in service with Mexicana de Aviación, I flew form Mexico City to Cd. del Carmen, and talked the stewardess to ask the pilots if I could visit the cabin. I stayed for the whole flight in the jump seat, got served food and stayed up to after landing and all passengers deplaned. I was 20yo. I still dream about hat trip. I was an avid aviation buff and "sim pilot". Nowadays the closest option is with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and hopefully soon, some good payware add-on group will release a proper B727 to relive what it felt to fly in it.
IN 1977 I was a passenger on 727 from Des Moines, Iowa to San Antonio, Tx. There was 4 others with me in my travel party and it was for me my first flight. The reason I was on the plane was I had just been inducted into the US Air Force and was going for basic training. Funny thing I remember was the stewardess gave us something special and I appreciated it. Instead of the standard coach meal the four of us all got the first class meal. It was delicious. After arrival in Texas the four of us were split up and we all went to different training squadrons.
It would be good to mention an inboard and outboard Aileron , at high speeds the outboard Aileron was locked out via engine throttle controls due to the shape of the wing the aircraft would flip
I’m an ex TAA 727 engineer so if you want some good stories let me know , also TAA’s 727 - 200s were registered TBG to TBR but when ever we serviced T.B.I. it was nicknamed T.B. Rust bucket due to all the corrosion on the belly
NLG braking was standard but most airlines disabled it. Look at inside the NLG wheels and you'll see the slots for rotors. Access to the #2 engine inlet is through the panel located in rear stairwell
Small correction: The #2 engine is located at the extreme rear of the aircraft under the vertical stabilizer. The intake of the S-duct is the only thing on top of the fuselage.
Thank You ! As a medium time 720 pilot, I started to come unglued.
Shout out to American Air Traffic Controllers who recognize 720 from KZAE. Long Live Aero Center !
ZM, 89-90
Yep!!
Yep. I came here to say that!
Same configuration as the Lockheed Tristar.
Geekin
I was a 727 systems instructor for United in the early 90s when there were 3 variants that flight crews had to be familiar with- the Standard, the Stretched and the Advanced. I also was able to fly as Flight Engineer on Part 91 ferry flights to-from London. It was a great experience. It was a beautiful airplane!
An airplane near and dear to my heart. I flew 727's for 14 years at three different airlines. I ferried them to Europe and also ferried one from SFO to PHNL using portable Loran gear(long before GPS was common)
Fast AC , I flew them for about 4 years . We had one up to almost 90 before she started to shake , Fast old girl .
The 100s were a bit faster than the 200s as I recall.
The Boeing 727 is a clear & Present LEGEND OF THE SKIES, PERIOD.
I consider myself to be fortunate enough to be still flying the 727 (727-100 Valsan). Everywhere we go, we draw a crowd. It’s a wonderful airplane.
Every few years while playing golf, I am lucky enough to see VP-BAP climbing out of Van Nuys. It will make a turn to the east so we get a beautiful view of the port side.
Many happy memories flying on ATA's 727s down to Florida as a kid in the 90s. Will always love these birds
My favorite aircraft N40 FAA 727-100QC. Flew it as a flight test engineer doing MLS Demonstrations in the USA and Europe in the early 1990s.
727 is the greatest airplane ever built. Had 5 years as FO with Delta in the 90's moved on the the 75/76 FO then Captain, but the 727 was the most fun time of my career. You were a pilot on the 727, everything after that you are a button pusher ✅✅✅
How did the power compare with the 75/76?
@@PaulStewartAviation During the majority of my career, I primarily flew the 767ER, which had more powerful engines, resulting in a significant difference in performance compared to the 727. One notable aspect of the 727 was the lack of automation, which required pilots to manually operate and navigate the aircraft. This period likely represented the pinnacle of my piloting skills. In my opinion, the 727 and L1011 First Officer positions were the most fun jobs in the aviation industry. Today, the increasing prevalence of automation has diminished the role of pilots, reducing them to mere button pushers. If given the opportunity, I would gladly return to the 727 times and relive my experiences. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the memories I have accumulated throughout my career.
@@PaulStewartAviation 75/76 much more power.
Back in the days when I was a kid, the 727 was the first commercial airliner I flew on. It was a Condor 727-230/Adv.
This type of aircraft will therefore always have a special place in my heart.
Thank you for the tour.
The Museum of Flight in Seattle is fantastic, since Boeing originated there and still have a big presence in the Seattle metro area.
Absolutely! So many incredible aircraft
Just a little 727 story. My father was a mechanic for United and during the late 60's. We were based in Buffalo NY. and he was also a machinists union rep. On weekend days he may go to the hanger and pick up his paycheck and visit with the day shift guys and if I was lucky, he would bring me. They didn't seem to mind me roaming around as a fifth grader crawling around in the cockpits of the 72's,73's and Caravels playing pilot. What a memory! Later I got to fly all seats in the 727 100/200 and 200B at AA. She was the favorite jet of my career. Miss her dearly!
Love your channel by the way. Thanks.
The B727 is a tri-jet legend, and the one I consider the hot rod of the Boeing family 💙
757 was a bigger Hot Rod. Us pilots nicknamed them Muscle Jets.
@@truthserum5310 💪
I’m an old timer passenger on the 727 and remember how loud and powerful they were! ❤
Certainly was fast .
I love this plane. Beautiful design.
I flew in a 717 and 727 when i was a kid. The 727 i still a great looking plan and was LOUD I'll never forget hearing them take off😁
Ain’t the 717 just an MD-95?
Thank you Paul, for the opportunity to view this historic 727 :-) The 727 was the first aircraft I ever boarded and features like the trailing edge triple-slotted flaps are still amazing. In 1995, when 727s were operated, I moved into a home 5 km north of Sydney International Airport. We experienced 727 takeoffs toward our home daily. No aircraft produced in the last 28 years can begin to compare to the sheer noise volume of a 727 departing an area. It was so extreme you'd wonder if the atmosphere itself might fracture--and this was after the engines were fitted with quietening 'Hush-Kits'. In 2023, older aircraft like 747-400's feel subjectively less than half as noisy as the grand old 727. Current jets, with wide diameter turbofans, are becoming truly whisper quiet by comparison.
Not only did I fly on the 727. I worked on them with American Airlines. We modified them with life rafts, then later ageing aircraft mods. I got taxi qualified on them as well. Got to taxi and maintain both the 100 and 200 models.
Thanks, Paul, for another walk down memory lane. In my youth, while I was in the US Navy, I used to fly on a 727 whenever I went on leave to see my family back home. In those days, entering or exiting the aft airstair was fun.
Back in the day, 70’s, flew a 727 out of St Thomas, Virgin Islands. Used the rear staircase to board plane. Small airport with the Caribbean Sea on one end and a mountain on the other end, so 727 was ideal jet for this route!
My uncle Harrold tried to tell me about this plane I would be flying back home from Sea-Tac to OKC in 1976 when I was 15. It was the first and only airplane I've ever flown on at 62 years old. His brother, my uncle Jimmie test flew the first one and flew AF-1 for three presidents. He flew JFK to Dallas and back on that tragic visit. James Andress was my great uncle. He and his copilot were both from a very small town in Oklahoma named Shattuck. He was on a mission in the air force in 1947 when he had to rush home as his hometown of Woodward was destroyed by the largest tornado in history at the time. 52 years later, i survived the May 3, 1999 tornado in Moore Oklahoma. His son Stephen has lived in London for years.
Thanks Paul - another iconic airliner. I remember watching them taxi, take off and land at YYZ in the good old days. You make note of the 727 being loud, but when she came out, as the engines were in the tail, Boeing merchandized the airplane as having less cabin noise due to this and gave the 727 the name of “Whisperliner”. :)
The 727 - 100 is a beautiful airplane. My favorite jet airliner. I also have a fondness for the Cougar sitting behind the 727.
So many memories of travel back in the 60s and 70s. Not just the 727 but its livery as well. Thank you for this
You're welcome
My dad had just turned Captain on the 727 for United and he took me out of school for a flight from Chicago to Sacramento and back. The 727 was only about a month old. I think it was 79? Still remember it like it was yesterday.
I loved the 727! Compared to the wide body jets, this was a rocket. Backing out from the gate using the engines was always a treat! Sounded like a shuttle launch and the vibrations were crazy! Thanks for the walk down memory lane :-)
Even now when one flies overhead (I’m on flight path to LAX) their speed is 25-50 knots faster than the run of the mill 737/A320
Cheers
How did I miss this one?! The 727 is my favourite! Thanks Paul!
I was a flight engineer on this very airplane many times during the late 1980s when I was a pilot for United Airlines. I recall one flight in N7001U where the captain had 20 minutes after our scheduled arrival at O'Hare to catch his commute flight home on a flight from RDU. We made it from push back at RDU to block in at ORD in 1 hour and 35 minutes. But to do that, we had to fly at Mach .89 most of the way and were in continuous Mach buffet. While being vectored for an approach at ORD to the old Runway 27 Left, the controller had us flying east bound at 13,000 feet over Lake Michigan and going away from the airport. I recall that we were flying at an indicated airspeed of 410 knots which was red line. The captain burned an extra 5,000 lbs of fuel on the RDU-ORD leg, but he made his commute flight. I was also a flight engineer on United airplane N7004U, which is now the Museum of Science and Industry in downtown Chicago.
Did 01U have any weird details that set it apart from the rest of the non prototype fleet?
The 727 was the plane that got me hooked with aviation!
I’m over 50
As a kid I took so many flights on the Boeing 727-I’ve lost count
They were quite loud, yes…inside & out, but what a workhorse, and a damn fine looking airframe.
The company that made these aircraft deserves our solemn thanks & praise (and for many other aircraft that moved our people across the globe AND helped WIN WARS).
My fav aircraft of all time, the B727-200 Stretch version. Flew on many of them growing up with several carriers. Then got to work on them a few times when I was a flight attendant with American Airlines before they retired them between 2000 to 2003.
The high lift flaps slats and upper wing spoilers was a marvel of design, engineering and performance.
Brings back memories. I remember servicing these classics back in the late 1990’s. Also major overhaul facility in Oakland California in the late 1980’s. They were rotted out by then. I did the aft airstair modification and remember the “DB COOPER” vane . I remember having to drill out entire stringers then cutting an access hole on the skin and pulling it out. I’ve worked on just about every jet aircraft that Boeing and Douglas have produced, also Lockheed L1011. From 707’s to 787’s. DC 8’s to MD11’s. Also Airbuses. A319-a320. Now I just feed the birds and squirrels.
Thanks for posting. Very enlightening. Boeing should have called the 3-engine jet the 737 and the 2-engine jet the 727. We had serious arguments, shouting matches sometimes, about this when we were little boys! But only when we weren't arguing about the evening meal being called "supper" or "dinner."
I flew so many times on this great plane, on business. Just fantastic, and quiet with those rear-mounted engines.
I worked for Mexicana Airlines as maintenance technician, at the final of the seventies, and we operated both, dash 100 and the dash 200. One way to see at a glance the difference between both, is to see the form of the # 2 intake engine; in the -100 is complete circular, while in the -200 is little oval. I recall Mexicana decide to remove the nose landing brakes assemblies to standardize the fleet, also in this same effort, Mexicana removed the jatto power units from all the planes of the fleet. The jato units were a couple of rockets, installed at the belly and behind the trailing edge of the wings, and thorough a chemical reaction and acting as turbo reactors, and activated at the command of the flight crew, they were able to supply with extra power when the airport elevation or the runway length was necessary for increasing the power for the take off. I only saw the activation of those fixtures in training flights, but never had the opportunity to see them, on revenue flights. With no doubt, in the Mexico City airport altitude, and during the hot season, the usage of those extra power supply, was very useful and necessary.
Actually the -100 has the oval intake for the #2 engine while the -200 has the round (circular), intake.
@@jameshayward8533 Probaly you are right, it was long time ago. Sorry if I was wrong.
In the mid 80s, I was contracted as a mechanic to work on Mexicana 727s at DFW. Many fond memories.Your right about the JATO rockets as some of their 27s would arrive with rocket pods deactivated. I also remember XA-MEM coming in 3 days before it crashed in 86. The pilots could not get the number 3 engine to start. Myself and another mechanic had to change the ignitor plugs, exciter box, and the leads and it finally started. Other than that, it was a good aircraft. It would come in from time to time with no maintenance problems. I am saying this because it wasn't hot brakes at 33K feet that brought it down.
I heard the real story but that's for another day. So sad , RIP.
@@wayback75 With no doubt, it will be of great interest to hear that story.
@juarezvivo-sc2qi A few months after the crash of Mexicana flt. 940 ,XA-MEM, I was on a flight back to DFW from SFO when I met up with a Maintenance Coordinator from Mexicana whom I'd known. We were talking and I eventuaĺly asked him about the crash .
He told me there were two bombs placed on board. One in the rear cargo compartment as the cargo door was found 14 miles from the crash site. The other was placed in rear left lavatory. In the debris they found part of the fuselage skin with large gapping hole which was later identified coming from the aft left lav. I believe they were placed there because the explosion, sudden decompression, and damaging the control cables, electrical and hydraulic lines which all run under the center floor boards and disrupted all flight controls to the horizontal stabilizer, elevators and the rudder. The captain had his family on board as the flight was scheduled to terminate at LAX and he had some time off and take his family to Disneyland.
So sad,, to this day no one knows who or what the motive was. A brake fire at 33,000 feet,, yeah right.
Good one Paul. I last flew on a 727 in 1991 on Northwest Airlines before they were bought out by Delta. Brings back memories. Thanks for posting!
727 is a helluva plane. All that power in the rear pushing this aluminum round tube forward with 3 smokey engines.....a sight to see.
I flew on 727s a few times back in the day, once on TWA and I don't recall the other airlines. I always enjoyed them because they were fairly quiet with the engines being in the rear. I've been through this plane as well. Nice video, thanks!
Thanks. Good show. I enjoyed flying the triplet for Continental, especially a bit on our cargo, convertible Air Mic subsidiary out of Guam through the islands. I retired early year-end 1981 to avoid the horror show of the mergers shortly thereafter. My last flight was to ferry a very empty -224 from LAX to PHNL on Dec 18, 1981, very carefully calculated, with c. 2,500 # fuel at shutdown at Hickham, the only 200 we ferried off of the west coast while I had the privilege of flying for that great, small airline. Best, romain
I still see these fly out of where I work and then see the new 747-8’s take off right after and the -8’s are so quiet compared to the 727. It’s amazing I might post a video.
One of my favorite airliners. For many years the 727 has been the best seller, #1 in sales followed by the DC-9 (another great plane), the 707 and the DC-8. The wing of the 727 is amazing. Much more complex of the other airliners of the time, but performing extremly well at cruising speed as at low speed. I always enjoyed looking at the flaps lowering during approaches. The 727 was replaced by another great airliner: the 757. By the way, I flew on 727s with Lufthansa, Air Algerie, Tunisair, TWA, People Express and Mexicana.
I remember the TAA and Ansett 727s. I was lucky to fly them both in the 1980s. I even got a TAA DC9 to Tassie. Gone from our Aussie skies now. Cheers Paul
When u get up close to a 727 it's surprising how big it is, and what a beautiful looking plane it is like the BAE 1-11 and the Trident.
…and the TU154….
So funny i saw this plane at this exact museum a week ago and wanted to learn more.. yours was the first result for boeing 727 design ❤
Hope you enjoyed it!
Great, great reliable airplane- worked them in line maintenance for 20 years, pilots loved them- they love the 757 too.
I flew that very airplane at UAL. Had the opportunity to FE on it and eventually Captain and Line Check Captain on the 727. The reason for the 3 engines is at the time it was being designed, 3 engine airplanes had lower approach minimums than 2 engine models.
This particular airplane was the very first one off the assembly line and was used by Boeing as a production prototype and eventually given to UAL after a test series.
The S Duct was always an airflow issue on the #2 engine and was redesigned for the 200/stretch series to prevent compressor stalls. The airplane normally cruised at .80 Mach and would see 400 KIAS at lower altitudes, typically at 12,000’ MSL.
The -100 series had issues with “Dutch roll” and required an operating yaw damper for high altitude flight. The service ceiling was 42,000’ MSL however the airplane had to be light and typically we didn’t fly much above FL 350.
Tough to land consistently smooth because of main gear location and had a fairly restrictive demonstrated cross wind restriction for landings. Mainly because, the mostly centerline thrust did not require as much rudder displacement and the wing was low to the ground limiting slip to land capabilities in a strong cross wind.
Great airplane and unique in design before fly by wire airplanes. Many thousands of hours of memories and challenges in the airplane. 9:55
Thanks for the extra info!
I flew on these dozens of times 40 years ago and more for business. Just loved flying on 727 aircraft. They may have been noisy on the outside, but they certainly were not to me on the inside. I loved the security of having three engines, plus they were so graceful With those wing angles.
One of my all time favourites, flew on them with Ansett, United and Northwest in the 90s , Northwest used the rear air stairs a couple of times at La Guardia , I thought it was a special treat
My first experience of going on a plane was a TAA (I think) 727 in Australia about 40 years ago, and I went up the rear airstairs and assumed all aircraft were like that!
@@75ajw My first flight was also on a 727, can’t remember if it was TAA or ANA. Exciting times as I was only in my teens.
Anyone jump out the back mid flight near portland?
Wow ! This rekindles some memories when working at the SFO UAL service center during the 60's and 70's as an A&P line mech .
Worked on this aircraft along with doing taxi runups. Probably also flew on it ..Had for that day and age a technologically advanced flight control system .Definitely was my favorite .
I worked for American from 1989 thru the end of 1993. I got a lot of rides on the 727. My first trip as an employee was in a 727-100. Probably my favorite jet of anything I ever flew in except the 757, that climbed like a Saturn V. The L1011 was a treat I got to ride in on an Eastern Airlines flight in 1985, from Miami to Nassau. The Rolls Royce fan growl of the 757 and L1011 is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard with my clothes on. 😂
I flew a lot as a drummer in the 70's the 727 made me feel safe flying at night. Delta never lost my drums or luggage. And you ate like a 5star hotel. I'd trade all my tomorrows to return to those days. A fan for life bill feilhauer
Always loved the 727. Luckily I'm just old enough that I was able to fly on a good amount of these when I was younger and also the 738 classics. The coolest plane I was lucky enough to catch was probably the last DC8 united flew and I just happened to catch it in what had to be one of its last years in service on a route from Cleveland to Chicago
I was invited to fly in the jump seat of a Boeing 727-200F in Brazil 3 years ago and I can say that this aircraft gives us a unique experience! I can really imagine how exciting it was to fly such a fast and agile aircraft when it was launched.
Wonderful video! Brings back lots of memories. I used to fly these things back in the day when I had to travel on business.
The company was cheap and insisted on booking "midnight specials" between where I lived (Phoenix Az.) and our customer site (Toronto Canada).
I was in my early 20's as a hot shot aerospace engineer they sent all over the world for our customers, but I didn't mind because in those days most of the "midnight special" flights out of Phoenix, non-stop to Chicago for my connection flight, were mostly empty.
The airlines did it that way, because the planes would go on to New York to get morning travelers going back from New York on 8 am flights bound for Los Angeles.
For me it worked out because I would lift up the arm rests on the seats, and sleep across three seats.
Back then, the stewardesses (female ... that's right ... FEMALE ...flight attendants) were not only hot ... but really, really, sweet too.
One time I woke up because of some minor turbulence over Kansas around 3 am-ish due to heavy storms that effected our flight (I remember we were at 41000 feet or so and not the usual 35,000 feet because they were trying to fly above the storms) but when I had awakened the stewardess not only had me covered me with a warm blanket, but tucked a pillow under my head.
I went back to sleep shortly after that and that flight was smooth as silk.
Those were the days. Anyway, "thanks for the memories" as Bob Hope was fond of singing. Again, I enjoyed the video!
Ah the old deliberate mistake to cause comment, yep i'm triggered by the middle engine location. It's in line with the other two engines and there is a S duct delivering the air from the tail fin air inlet. The 727 was like a jet fighter disguised as a passenger jet. Incredible acceleration on takeoff. They really sucked you into your seat once those really noisy engines started to burn. Yet in the cabin it was wonderfully quiet.
wasn't deliberate but OK
@@PaulStewartAviation Best trick on TH-cam is deliberate mistakes, it made me famous.
@@leokimvideo 👍
This is AWESOME!! Love the 727 and have found memories of flying on it many, many times!! Great job, Paul (as always)!!!
IIRC the HS-121 and TU-154, which has a similar engine arrangement, did have the APU in the tail. The L-1011 APU is also in the tail.
I was working the theSF maintenance base from 1989 to 2004. I’m very familiar with that ship.
Always one of my favorites. My dad worked for Northwest and we were always going places on standby. Many a time with a 727. ✊🏿💯
Loaded a 727 cargo plane back in the day. A real workhorse. Still my favorite design, a beautiful plane.
I remember flying on Pan Am’s 727s to the USVI’s short runways on St Thomas. Like landing on a carrier! Also got to board and deplane thru the air stairs. Always a favorite aircraft of mine.
I flew in a 727 only once, but it was quite memorable. In the summer of 1971, my folks and I were vacationing in California. It was the first time I’d ever flown, and I was more than excited. When mom and dad told me where we were going for our vacation, I immediately begged for them to see if we could fly on a new 747. My dad went to our travel agent to figure things out and came home with bad news. We would fly into San Diego, and at the time, the largest jet servicing San Diego was the 707. I was still excited, but somewhat let down. In the next several months we prepared for the trip. Everything from new clothes to luggage. We were staying with my aunt and her family, so that was a big savings.
The day came and we headed to the airport in early June for my first flight. The takeoff was very exciting, I threw up. We landed at O’Hare in Chicago, people were exiting and boarding the flight for other connections. I was more interested in seeing all the international carriers coming and going. We got on our way again, but I fell asleep. Soon I felt my mother trying to wake me since we were landing soon. To my surprise, as I stepped out of the jet, it was pitch black outside, loud with lots of vehicles zooming about, and we had to deplane using stairs. It was a bit much for a 9 year old to take in.
We ended up having the best summer vacation ever, we saw everything to see, but soon enough, my dad had to return early to get back to work. My mother and I stayed another few weeks. She even started school shopping for me. Soon everything was packed and ready to go. I really didn’t want to leave California, but those are the breaks. My uncle was driving my mom and I to the airport and decided to take a few “short cuts” that turned into delays. My mother was nervous we’d miss our flight. We ran into the terminal to check in. They were holding the plane for us. She said we’d have run like crazy onto the field to catch our flight. As we exited the terminal I saw a truck with stairs on it driving up to our flight. It was an American 727. I was confused. We walked through the cabin everyone grinning as we tried to find seats. Since were late, we couldn’t sit together. We were flying to LAX for a connection this time. I didn’t know why, but when your 9, don’t ask too many questions.
The flight was very short. My mother sat me at a gate telling me not to move while she checked in at the proper gate. She came back winded, but mission accomplished.
We didn’t have too long to wait for our flight, but when it arrived I understood why we flew home this way. A new American 747 inched its way up to the gate and stopped. My mom said “surprise”. After returning from California a few weeks prior, My dad visited our travel agent and asked if mom and I could fly home on a 747. She solved the problem and I was smiling the whole time we were boarding. It was a beautiful flight, I still have the Richie Rich comic book I was given, and the last surprise was there was a full size cocktail lounge at the rear of the plane with club chairs, end tables with chrome mushroom shape lamps, and a full size bar with a bar tender. My mom and I enjoyed looking out the windows while sipping on our drinks. We were landing soon, so back to our seats.
After we landed, we could see my dad grinning ear to ear when we saw him from the jet walk. “Well” he asked “how was it?” I said it was the best part of the trip. Flying just isn’t like it used to be. Now people wear cutoffs and flip flops. I miss women in dresses and men wearing suits and ties. I know my story is too long, but it brought back lots of good memories.
Amazing to think the b727 used to fly atlantic routes esp into heathrow. With the front of a b737 but a fantastic looking rear tail and engine setup the b727 is one of my favorites
Huh. My friend was a crazy skydiver. He participated in an event where the rear stairwell was opened during flight and a bunch of skydivers did a jump from the plane. There was a whole technique to jump out of jet plane. Now you tell me about Cooper vane. Maybe a different plane also had a rear stairwell?
Great, love the 727 Aircraft and found this really interesting and took myself back to that which had me in 727-100 & 727-238 series of the Tri Jets and I was always impressed by her handling which you enlightened on in this feature and the what we called the Triple slat main flaps as Fowler flaps were a great aerodynamic addition to the aircraft especially on landings to short field strips, great attention to the black nose for those who may not if known about this and the apu set up, noise reduction etc,, have seen one flying around Turbofan engine's with a bit of modification mid section of tail for the in tail and in fuselage fit out for the aircraft but she was just so nice to fly.
Loved it in terms of being specific and straight to the point.
Regards
John
Australia
thanks again John
Thank You for this tour - I would love to visit the museum.
Excellent knowledge and content, great work these videos. Well presented and very interesting.
I flew 22 different types of planes in my aviation career, and the B-727 is number one for me
My first flight was on a United 727 in 1973. My sister and I got to go in the cockpit before the flight and each received Future Stewardess wings. I still have mine! BTW, my sister tried to open the back door thinking it was the lavatory. Thank goodness it couldn't be opened during flight by that time!
I thought one guy did open the rear door. DB Cooper.
First flew on a 727 BWI Trinidad to Jamaica in 1967. Then on that trip there were scarcely any flights NOT on the type. Amazing workhorse.
I was a ramp rat for UPS for several years (1986-1995), and loaded, unloaded (main cargo deck with containers and luggage pits with loose packages), even refueled for a year or two.
UPS was one of few airlines that refitted all three engines on their -100 planes with the Rolls Royce Tay turbofan engines, in effort to make the planes quieter and less obnoxious since UPS was flying in and out of smaller airports at night.
I used to laugh at the ramp workers who had motion-sensitive alarms in their cars when a 727 would take off, triggering a dozen or more car alarms in the parking lot four hundred yards from the end of the runway.
I absolutely love this plane. Picture this an updated private business jet, wow !
I donated many of those actuators under the wing and many other parts for the one time flight from Paine Field to Boeing Field. I scrapped 2 727-100s from Fed EX and the project manager, Terry Howard came to me and told me what he needed. I told him to take whatever he wanted. I also worked on them at Delta in the early 80s. DL had something like 124. Later I was married to a Delta FA and flew non rev on probably most of the 124 all over the country. Once, going into Tucson, they were unsure about the nose gear coming down, the USAF sent an F-16 up to check. I have pix. Toward the end of their life, DL was flying them across the country, like from Seattle to Atlanta. Lots of great memories.
I flew from Heathrow to Malta and back on a 727, in 1988. Former Prime Minister of Malta, Don Mintoff was in first class, it was a really nice plane. It was leased from Peruvian operator Faucett. Sadly it crashed off the coast of Canada whilst being retuned to Faucett in 1990, when it ran out of fuel.
The very first time I ever flew on a airplane it was ac727-100. August 1984 on ATA between Indianapolis IN and Richmond VA. Great airplane.
Looking very nice!! My former airline, United, was behind you!!😊😊😊
Oh cool!
Yes, I was laughing at the tail of the 727 behind you. Here in Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry we have a full size 727 that has been there more than 10 years. And yes, besides the fact that , I was a Purser Flight Attedant based here in Chicago.
The B727 is my all-time favorite jet airliner. I love the shape of the tail because it make it look fast.
Back in 1991 I worked for TWA [not flown] in JFK. Got to know a few people and found my way to flying the TWA 727 simulator. After the ride, the right seater complimented me as I was the only non-airline pilot not to crash it. I had hoped to get a ride on the 747 sim but unfortunately I got laid off and never got back to JFK. I was just thinking that its too bad the simulators weren't long term stored as they would be an amazing item/attraction at the TWA Hotel.
Nice video....thanks for sharing
I flew on several different examples of the Boeing 727 back in the 1970's & 1980's. I've always thought it was an iconic aircraft, second only to the Queen of the Skies--the Boeing 747.
The sound of a 727 is insanely great especially when landing in Sydney australia in the 60,s 70,s
On vacation as a kid in the U,S early 70,s many times these planes i remember were full of passangers who were all dressed nice unlike todays travellers
One of my favorite aircraft! Always loved flying on it. I used to travel between Detroit and Dallas quite a bit and I can remember flights that left the gate a bit late and still arriving ahead of schedule with the pilot seeming to hardly reducing the throttle at all after takeoff! That aircraft could really haul ass if it needed to!
The second plane I ever flew on was an American Airlines 727 from Chicago to Norfolk when I was in the Navy. Still remember like it was yesterday.
First Boeing aircraft I flew on. Braniff from Newark, NJ to National Airport, DC, April 1980. Had a seat at the back just forward of the right engine intake!
Well done Paul - an extraordinary amount of detail is provided eg the Boeing 727 was the first commercial plane to have an auxiliary power unit on board - necessary for some of the smaller regional airports which did not have ground power units. . Great commentary and video footage
My first trip on a 727 was from Brisbane to Sydney in 1967. I thought it was so silent inside, but perhaps time has enhanced my memory of that aspect.
Dear Paul
That 727-238 I mentioned was VH-TBM Named after a Famous Aboriginal Artist called Albert Namatjira if my spelling is correct, I think Probably isn't.
I remember she was just out of Cat 3 maintenance and on the Taxiway just slightly pushing on pedal for brake you could here the main gear squeaking due to new brakes, it was her Fifth last flight and procurement wise I think she may have been one of the last 727s delivered to TAA, love them, then it was scale up to the , A300 and after Qantas took over the 747-300 and then 747-400 along with B767-200 & 300 and then the A330 and finally 787-9.
Your channel as mentioned before I know is Unique in terms of your Extraordinary knowledge of all Aircraft far and wide, it's simply Brilliant, the subjects that you cover with all the types of Aircraft are stuff which today I don't think much about except it's there in terms of certain plane's, you must research your subject Aircraft for you show so meticulously that it shows through your explanation of everything Technical and Otherwise, You should Write a Book and put it on EBook for Download at a Price worthy of your knowledge and the time you put into your work but then we would be denied of listening maybe to your great Narrative which as I said always has me enthralled from start to finish, Just read one on the Lancaster and loved it and little did I know that the F111 length wise was as big as a Lancaster, didn't know that one but was told at Amberley by a Gentleman that flew B24 Liberators, then B29 Superfortress and he was like yourself so much knowledge but more so about that era where your experience in terms of watching your programs grabs you by the throat and keeps you watching until the last little bit.
Sincerely
John
I actually fueled an array of planes where I had the luck on fueling a 727 200 series. Analog Guage but easy to get to the hook up. Only thing is with the automatic fueling is not an option because the system does not regulate the in difference on weight to keep balance.
@6:10
Actually UPS operated a couple 727-100s with all three engines retrofitted with high bypass Rolls Royce Tays, the same model that powers the Fokker 70/100.
But the larger 727-200 could only be retrofitted with two JT8D-200s on the outboard engines as they were too big for the number 2 engine housing.
I must admit, I don't think I've ever seen a 727 before. The only tri-jet I've ever been on, was the DC-10 and I didn't mind that one. Thanks for another great tour Paul. 😎
I took many flights on the 727 as a kid flying with my parents. One of the more harrowing flights was on a 727 as we were hit by terrible turbulence one time.
I remember flying aboard 727s as a kid, back in the 1980s. I always wanted a window seat either just in front of, or behind the wing, so I could watch the massive flaps and slats move!
Love your videos. I was never into aviation until I found your channel. Fascinating and very well presented. Thank you!
The aircraft maintenance class i took at san francisco community college had the 3rd or 4th 727 built, it was given to the school, minus engines and APU, by United. The interior and flight deck were complete and we could use an old USAF GPU to power the electrical system. It was nice to have for going through and learning the layout of a commercial airliner. It helped that the school itself was at the north end of SFO right near UAL's large maintenance shops! many instructors were or had worked for UAL, AA and Pan Am and had plenty of stories and great information.
Wow, great video. I flew on many of them in my younger years. I didn't know about the brake on the nose gear.
They were amazing airplanes at the time. I used to laugh seeing the moniker "Whisper Jet" painted on them. they were anything but quiet. It was noisy in there, very noisy due to the engine's design and proximity to the fuselage.
And yes, we used to have a special place to hang our suits and extra gear, now sadly taken over by another row of grumpy air travelers :)
Those seat colors are a great walk down memory lane. Thanks for the video!
This series is the best. I have seen this jet dozens of times (I'm a Museum of Flight member and live in Seattle) but this video was like rediscovering it. The research Paul does is some of the best in the business. Great series and I'll cross-promote Paul's channel on other aviation videos as this content is truly great.
Aw, first time on a 727 was on Western Airlines. When Western and Delta merged I flew on many a Delta 727. Great birds!
I was so enamored with the B727 that in 1998, still in service with Mexicana de Aviación, I flew form Mexico City to Cd. del Carmen, and talked the stewardess to ask the pilots if I could visit the cabin. I stayed for the whole flight in the jump seat, got served food and stayed up to after landing and all passengers deplaned. I was 20yo. I still dream about hat trip. I was an avid aviation buff and "sim pilot". Nowadays the closest option is with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and hopefully soon, some good payware add-on group will release a proper B727 to relive what it felt to fly in it.
IN 1977 I was a passenger on 727 from Des Moines, Iowa to San Antonio, Tx. There was 4 others with me in my travel party and it was for me my first flight. The reason I was on the plane was I had just been inducted into the US Air Force and was going for basic training. Funny thing I remember was the stewardess gave us something special and I appreciated it. Instead of the standard coach meal the four of us all got the first class meal. It was delicious. After arrival in Texas the four of us were split up and we all went to different training squadrons.
The Eastern Airlines ones flying between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas used to have a tray hidden in the middle seat in Economy.
It would be good to mention an inboard and outboard Aileron , at high speeds the outboard Aileron was locked out via engine throttle controls due to the shape of the wing the aircraft would flip
Thanks for the extra information
I’m an ex TAA 727 engineer so if you want some good stories let me know , also TAA’s 727 - 200s were registered TBG to TBR but when ever we serviced T.B.I. it was nicknamed T.B. Rust bucket due to all the corrosion on the belly
NLG braking was standard but most airlines disabled it. Look at inside the NLG wheels and you'll see the slots for rotors.
Access to the #2 engine inlet is through the panel located in rear stairwell