How to Identify a 737

Boeing's 737 is the "little engine that could" of modern commercial airliners. The 737 first took to the air in 1965 and has since been manufactured in seven models.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Film
• Cameras
• Tripods
• Internet Access
• Computers
• Camera Bags
• Camcorders
• Flying Lessons
• Camera Accessories
• Camera Tripod
• Aircraft Band Scanner
• Aviation Illustrated Magazine
• Flying Magazines
• Telescopes

1. Remember that the 737 is relatively small in relation to other airliners.
2. Note the 737 has two jet engines, one mounted under each wing.
3. Look closely. The engine-mounting configuration is unique in that the engines are nearly flush with the bottom of the wing.
4. Notice the 737 fuselage and cockpit nose is nearly identical in shape to the Boeing 707 and 727.
5. Note on early, non-extended 737s the fuselage seems short and thick compared to other jet airliners.
6. Look for the long, low-angle extension at the forward portion of the vertical stabilizer.
7. Watch 737s as they taxi and park. With relatively short landing gear, a 737 seems quite low to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• The 737 was designed to meet the needs of short and mid-range air routes serving smaller airports.
• Passenger capacity ranges from 126 to nearly 200 for larger editions.
• Despite its relatively small size among airliners, 737s lift well over 100,000 pounds at takeoff and serve routes of more than 3,000 miles.
• The 737 design has evolved over 30 years. The 737-700 series is termed "Next Generation."
• Plane watching at airports can be fun for the whole family, but honor all security arrangements when on airport property.