How to Identify a 707

The Boeing 707 is the Grand Old Lady of jet airliners. No longer in production, 707s still work hard knitting the world community together.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Film
• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Internet Access
• Camcorders
• telephoto or "long lens"
• Flying Lessons
• Camera Lenses
• SLR Camera
• Camera Accessories
• Camera Tripod
• Aircraft Band Scanner
• Air & Space Subscriptions
• Aviation Illustrated Magazine
• Telescopes

1. Look for a large, four-engine jet airliner.
2. Check for swept-back wings with two engines mounted in separate nacelles on each wing.
3. Look at the vertical stabilizer. It will be tall, with a swept-back front edge. The horizontal stabilizers will be mounted low on the sides of the fuselage.
4. Remember that a 707's fuselage is nearly cylindrical.
5. Note that the jet engines appear relatively small when compared to the modern, turbofan jet engine on a 747.
6. Listen and watch closely. A 707 will be louder and smokier than modern jets.

Tips & Warnings

• The prototype 707 made its initial flight in the summer of 1954.
• The 707 flies at over 600 mph and was built in models serving medium-range and long-range routes.
• Many military versions of the 707 remain in everyday use.
• Respect security and safety notices when visiting airports and similar areas.