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Kalitta Charters II retires last Boeing 727
April 5th, 2024, marks a sad day for old jet and aviation lovers as Michigan based Kalitta Charters II has retired its final Boeing 727 freighter. N729CK sn 22982 was a Boeing 727-264 built in May 1982. The almost 42 year old aircraft was the last operating 727 in Kalitta’s fleet. The aircraft was ferried from the companys headquarters at Willow Run, KYIP to its maintenance and storage facility in Oscoda, KOSC. The short 39 minute flight operated as KII729 or dragster 729. Prior to its… (www.youtube.com) More...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I have been down that Center Engine intake as well.. Them Vortex Generators can certainly leave a Mark!
My first time on a commercial flight was a Braniff 727 from Denver through Amarillo to Dallas Love Field, then another to Shreveport. I think it was 1966 when I was 8. We got to deplane using the rear air stairs once which was really cool.
Wow. that's fabulous since I worked for TWA IN NYC RESERVATIONS OFFICE IN THE 1960'S!
I REMEMBER Braniff. And many others back in the day when TRAVEL WAS [email protected]
I REMEMBER Braniff. And many others back in the day when TRAVEL WAS [email protected]
I worked for the first iteration of Braniff from '72 to '82 when they went bankrupt. I worked in Kansas City and Dallas - 6 years in Reservations and 4 years at DFW Airport. During most of those years, our entire domestic (and Mexico) fleet was 727s with the exception of our one famous orange 747 which flew daily round trips between DFW and HNL. As an employee, I flew standby on many of those 727s.
Only + memories after many dozens of weekly business shuttles between YUK and YYZ back in the day on AC. Power to spare and solid as a rock. For some reason, I distinctly remember the dropping of the slats in prep for takeoff. THUD. Ahh,,, the days when engineering was front and center.
They were all either middle age or hefty and I was young and skinny.
Would I be willing to be lowered down the center intake S duct and remove the cardboard?
They took me up in cherrypicker and tied a rope around my waist. As I stared down with a flashlight in my mouth so I could use both hands they called out. “ don’t slide down as the duct had vortex generators on the inside”!
I made it down and removed the cardboard and got pulled back up and out.
Definitely one of my most unusual accomplishments my work day life.