United 727 Lands at Chicago’s Meigs Field, October 15, 1992. Shot by Mark Suszko, IIS Video.
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- Опубликовано: 22 ноя 2021
- You can see the great short-field capabilities of the 727 making almost an aircraft carrier style trap on the Meigs runway in high gusts and crosswind, October 15, 1992. It was a donation from United Airlines to the Museum Of Science And industry. The tire smoke from first contact has barely dissipated as the thrust reversers pop, the engines slam into full power for reverse braking, and all the boards and spoilers hang out to drag the plane to a stop by the mid-runway turn-off.
The 727 had a small fuel load, to make it lighter and give a lower wing loading, which shortens the landing roll out but also reduces penetration into headwinds and means more sensitivity to turbulence and gusts… The officials stepping off after the steep and exciting approach and roll-out looked a little green to me, but happy.
Those low passes along the lakefront skyline are something that was never seen before… or again, ever, after 9/11.
My favorite passenger jet and favorite airport. I got to fly in and out of Meigs a few times over my state career, on one of the State’s own King-Air twins, and it was always a thrill. The runway looks like a postage stamp during final approach, and you’re convinced you’re going to hit the water. But you never do. I was so sad to see the airport closed, and infuriated by the underhanded way it was done. It really was a very valuable asset to the City.
I had a better camera angle on the landing, set up hours before, but at literally the last minute a stills photographer changed his assigned position and ended up in my shot, ruining the frame, so I had to pick up the camera, sticks, and the attached recording deck, and re-position a few feet over, then try and re-establish focus, in just a handful of seconds.
I returned to Chicago and this plane, to document the beach landing of the 727 on it’s barge after having the engines and many other heavy systems removed over in Indiana - and it’s slow traverse up the beach and across Lake Shore Drive, into a hole cut out of the side of the Museum. Maybe I’ll find a copy of that footage some day. It was all given to MSI courtesy of IDOT Aeronautics for their exhibit documentary projects. Meanwhile, I re-create this day all the time in x-Plane Simulator.
Thanks for posting this video!
"Ted, that was probably the worst landing in the history of this airport, but some of us here, particularly me, would like to buy you a drink and shake your hand"
I still love those old United colors
I've worked for United as a Mechanic for several decades now, getting close to retirement. I miss the 727, worked on this one and have flown on it a few times.
I was at PWK for flight training for my private ticket. I remember my instructor having us do touch and goes on 36. And my first landing at Meigs was a greaser! Then after getting my SEL rating, I was flying into Meigs for a dinner downtown with my wife, just to do it. Taking off at night we left 18 and turned left into the pattern to head back home and realizing I'm IFR over the water. The skies were clear but it was so pitch black over Lake Michigan turning downwind. If you don't see the lights of the skyline you are truly IFR. It was just black, no stars, no distant lit roads. That taught me a valuable lesson. Meigs was a awesome airport. I met one of the Tuskegee Airmen there in the terminal. There was a small airshow that day and I shook the mans hand. It was Mr Mcgee. What an honor and to listen to him tell me a battle he was in. Me and only me. Like a normal conversation over a cup of coffee. I was in "Friends of Meigs" when it all went political trying to keep the airport open. I still have the shirt. What a great airport it was and I miss it.
Thats N7017U! now hung in the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago Il.
As a young teenager I was a frequent flyer on eastern 727s, Curaçao to Miami, and cris crossing the U.S. east coast
Slam dunk, lightweight without passengers and cargo, probably not a lot of fuel on board either. Anyway, it was a big joy to watch and probably even more fun for the pilots. Great video, thanks.
The 727 is a beautiful plane. Love her lines.
I miss the 727 it was one of my favorite airliners to fly on when I was a kid such a beautiful and awesome aircraft
Wow, cool I remember the day they did that. I have been in that plane which is displayed a the Museum of Science and Industry.
The bounce was spectacular! Because of you Mr. pilot you made the landing historical and memorable. Best wishes!!!
How did RUclips never show me this video? Amazing! Especially that low pass. Thanks for uploading it.
Very great piloting! Hats off, y'all! Many thanks.
Flew on the 727 many, many times growing up. I miss the sound of those JT8D engines spooling up for takeoff and the “whoosh” sound they make on final after full flaps. A great airplane & great video. Loved it!
So slow he basically stalled it right at the end! But a necessary action. What a great video! Thank you for sharing!
Most beautiful jet airliner ever made.
Thanks for posting! I too, love 727s and was fortunate to land at Meigs on a beautiful clear night in a corporate prop!
Always my favorite plane. Loved flying on them and loved working them.
Well that was cool. Thanks for posting. 👍👍