How to Identify a Boeing 757

The Boeing 757 (along with the 767) might be thought of as third-generation airliners. The 757 was designed to replace the venerable 727 and fly the mid-range routes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Film
• Cameras
• Tripods
• Binoculars
• Computers
• Camera Bags
• Camcorders
• Flying Lessons
• Camera Lenses
• Camera Accessories
• Camera Tripod
• Aircraft Band Scanner
• Air & Space Subscriptions
• Aviation Illustrated Magazine
• Flying Magazines
• Telescopes

1. Look for a twin-engine jet airliner.
2. Note the jet engines will resemble those on a 747 - disproportionately larger at the intake when compared to the exhaust.
3. Check the wings, which seem to be thinner and smaller compared to the size of the fuselage.
4. Note the 757's wings are swept back somewhat less than most modern jet airliners.
5. Note the slight droop to the nose. The point of the nose drops below the centerline of the fuselage.
6. Check the tail. The vertical stabilizer is quite tall. The horizontal stabilizers are mounted at fuselage midpoint, and the fuselage comes to a point at the end of the tail cone.
7. Consider the 757 in its entirety. While similar to the 767, the 757 has a thinner fuselage and seems quite elegant in appearance.

Tips & Warnings

• Pilots nicknamed the 757 "the long-legged lady." Its landing gear struts are longer than most other airliners'. When the landing gear is extended and the wheels are on the ground, the airliner sits up quite high.
• The 757 has a "glass cockpit" (instruments have been replaced by video displays) that is so similar to its sister ship, the 767, that pilots can train for both simultaneously.
• The 757 carries more than 200 passengers on routes ranging over 4,000 miles.
• Many aviation buffs go on to take flying lessons.
• Cruise the Internet for information about airplanes, airlines and other aviation interests.
• Airports can be dangerous places. Be sure to honor security and safety regulations when plane-watching.