How to Identify a DC-10

The last of the big birds to bear the legendary "DC" identifier, the DC-10 is the culmination of the transportation technology that the storied DC-3 introduced.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Film
• Cameras
• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Binoculars
• Internet Access
• Computers
• Camera Bags
• Camcorders
• telephoto or "long lens"
• Flying Lessons
• Camera Lenses
• SLR Camera
• Camera Tripod
• Aircraft Band Scanner
• Air & Space Subscriptions
• Flying Magazines

1. Look for a large, three-engine jet transport.

2. Note that an engine is mounted on a pylon below each wing.

3. Look for the third engine mounted entirely above the fuselage at the tail of the airplane.

4. Note that the vertical stabilizer seems to grow out of the rear-mounted engine.

5. Look for a small vane extending above the rear-engine exhaust.

6. Note the DC-10 has a relatively wide body - wide enough to allow two passenger aisles.

7. Notice the DC-10 is relatively quiet for a large airliner even though its engines are twice as powerful as early-generation jet engines.

8. Remember the DC-10 appears similar to the later model MD-11. The simplest way to tell them apart is to remember the DC-10 does not have winglets at the end of its wings.

Tips & Warnings

• The DC-10 has a wingspan of more than 150 feet, a fuselage more than 180 feet long, and a passenger capacity of 250 to 380 passengers.
• A DC-10 can lift a payload of near 100,000 pounds and cruise at over 600 mph at a range of up to 5,800 miles.
• The DC-10 was built in six models; production ended in 1989.
• The Internet is a nearly unlimited source of aviation information.
• Obey all security and safety regulations when visiting airports and similar facilities.