Originally Posted by blackjack-21

We flew on BA's (then BOAC) VC-10 from either PIK or LHR to JFK in the late 1960's and early 70's. Very quiet, comfortable aircraft. Similar to the B707 except for the four fans mounted at the back.

IB had a large fleet of Caravelles around that time, and we also had a couple of flights on those birds. Flying from MAD to Palma, I remember that we'd fly almost directly over the island, then make a very steep approach to the airport.

Because of the tail-mounted engines, doesn't the center of gravity change dramatically, which explains the wings being mounted further back on those aircraft to compensate? Particularly noticeable on the EMB's and CRJ's.

Also, the B727's and BA Tridents (three in the rear) were found to have a very high "sink rate", which was given as the probable cause of an accident in Queens, N.Y. in the mid 60's. Approaches and landings often had to have increased power settings to make up for this.

bj-21.