3 Engines on the Tail
The Boeing 727 is the only airliner in the U.S. with 3 engines mounted on the tail, and elsewhere in the world the only other 3 engine airliner still flying regular service is the Tupolev TU-154, operated by Air Koryo in North Korea. Place your mouse over the red links below to see the illustration highlighted.
Background
Boeing produced the 727 from 1964 to 1984, over 1,800 in all. As of 2020 only 106 remain in service worldwide, flown mostly by small cargo airlines and a handful of VIP charters. The largest operator is a cargo airline in Colombia with a fleet of 7.
What to Look For
Unlike other 3-engine jets, the 727 has a "T" tail with the horizontal stabilizer at the top. The 727 is the only plane other than the DC-9 and MD-80 to have emergency exit stairs at the rear of the fuselage under the tail.
Unlike other 3-engine jets, the 727 has a "T" tail with the horizontal stabilizer at the top. The 727 is the only plane other than the DC-9 and MD-80 to have emergency exit stairs at the rear of the fuselage under the tail.
Unlike other 3-engine jets, the 727 has a "T" tail with the horizontal stabilizer at the top. The 727 is the only plane other than the DC-9 and MD-80 to have emergency exit stairs at the rear of the fuselage under the tail.
