This is probably a video that a lot of us appreciate given weworked on the -71's before they were sold them to UPS - some of us, me included, worked on the conversion project where the -61 was converted into the -71.
The plane was powerd by turbojets, but had systems similar to the DC7 by design. The old "Diesel 8" was built more like a piece of construction equipment than an airplane, maybe more like a tank. It was tough and reliable evident by it's service life. This plane was the last 'honest' airplane, one yet to be equalled or surpassed. I will truly miss the sounds and sensations of flying this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...yOAA&feature=related

Goodbye old friend!

I flew DC-8's for about a year. It is a tank, some interesting DC-8 facts. The DC-8 was the first super sonic transport. The DC-8 was purposely pushed through the mach during test phase it held up just fine. The DC-8 has no leading edge slats it has trailing edge flaps and several small slots that open in the leading edge of the wing.

The DC-8 has no speed brakes. To increase your rate of decent you can pull the two inboard engines into full power reverse in flight! No kidding I've done it. The DC-8 was and I believe still is the longest narrow body aircraft ever built.

The DC-8 has no direct link to the elevators. They are controlled by a pair of flying tabs out on the trailing edge of the elevator. The ole 8 built just like a 7 in that it's all hooked up and controlled by cables. Control forces were such that many smaller (weaker) pilots have a tough time checking out in it because it takes some serious muscle on the controls at times.

Hmmmm. The 8 was my first jet I remember her well.

For you DC-8 guys remember these, fuel management "Source course and force." Electricity 400cps +or- 20 to parallel. Engine starts 2,3,4,1. Max taxi distance 35,000 feet.

surestrike

Just curious, why the max taxi distance and why 6 miles, one could fall asleep in that taxi

Tire temperatures. During testing it was found that Taxing at weight anymore than that distance caused the tire temps to get dangerously hot.

I have no idea how the egg heads came up with that distance but I'd venture to guess that it was long boring day for the test pilots.

My ex girlfriend flew 8's for UPS. She was a tough little girl. Psychotic, of course, but don't tell anyone...