A Boeing 707 On A 3,600 Runway?(!)

[ZackyDog]

Hello and I appreciate your indulgence. I came across this article:



John Travolta has a Boeing 707 and a 3,600 foot runway on his property. As far as I know, that aircraft requires a longer runway.

I realize that he may not be transporting 140-219 passengers with baggage, so his maximum take-off weight wouldn't be near that of a commercial flight.

I don't know how he can land and take-off from such a short runway?

 

[telemnemonics]

We mod our guitars, maybe he modded his 707?

 

[Ed Driscoll]

We mod our guitars, maybe he modded his 707?

B-47s had rocket-assisted takeoffs for short runways. How hard would it be to install those on a 707?

 

[tarheelbob]

Quick Google check confirms that Travolta has a 3500+ foot grass runway on his property AND a 7,500-ft asphalt runway...

- Bob

 

[guitarbuilder]

It is longer:

Jumbolair Airport - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[telemnemonics]

But can he dance?

 

[NoTeleBob]

It is just me, or is it just a wee bit unattractive to have a 707 parked in your driveway? I'm thinking that that's probably why most people park them at an airport. Jut sayin'.

FWIW, unless he's done a lot of flying in recent years, he's only rated to be a co-pilot on the 707. The captain's outfit was a promo for Quantas some years ago.

 

[Ed Driscoll]

It is just me, or is it just a wee bit unattractive to have a 707 parked in your driveway? I'm thinking that that's probably why most people park them at an airport. Jut sayin'.

That particular 707 has been donated to an Australian aircraft restoration society, according to this 2017 article that I found at the above Wikipedia link:

Hollywood actor John Travolta announced on Saturday he will donate his prized Boeing 707 aircraft to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society.

Travolta, a qualified pilot and Qantas ambassador, hopes to be part of the crew to fly the vintage passenger jet from his Florida home to the HARS aircraft hangar at Illawarra Regional Airport in Albion Park.

“The aircraft currently requires a lot of work to be restored to a safe flying state and having seen first hand the dedication and passion of people at HARS, I have no doubt this beautiful and historical aircraft will be flying again,” Travolta said.

“I am hoping to be part of the crew to fly the aircraft to Australia, supported by well qualified and experienced pilots and engineers.”

But he's John Travolta -- if Bruce Wayne can park the Batmobile in a cave under his mansion, Travolta can park a 707 in front of his.

 

[Bob Womack]

I understand that he just bought Lockheed Super Constellation
N6937C. More HERE and HERE.

Pic HERE.

That's a LOT of plane. I understand preflight on a Connie is about a half-day job.

Bob

 

[rdjones]

Hello and I appreciate your indulgence. I came across this article:



John Travolta has a Boeing 707 and a 3,600 foot runway on his property. As far as I know, that aircraft requires a longer runway.

I realize that he may not be transporting 140-219 passengers with baggage, so his maximum take-off weight wouldn't be near that of a commercial flight.

I don't know how he can land and take-off from such a short runway?

The part about "only celebrity with an airport" is incorrect.
There are plenty of celebs with access to air travel at their residences.
Helipads, grassy strips and asphalt runways.
Travolta may be the only one with a 707 and a capable runway.

Wouldn't a 707 be retrofitted with high(er) bypass engines ?

 

[68tele]

Maybe uses catapult and tailhook with that runway?

 

[BigDaddyLH]

Someone's compensating

 

[Telenator]

I think they got it wrong. Chances are they're talking 737, or perhaps even a 717, not 707.

 

[ZackyDog]

Maybe uses catapult and tailhook with that runway?

 

[Ed Driscoll]

Maybe uses catapult and tailhook with that runway?

Given his role as Maverick, Tom Cruise probably has that on his runway.

 

[rdjones]

I think they got it wrong. Chances are they're talking 737, or perhaps even a 717, not 707.

He is rated on 707, 737 and 747.
He owned a 707 as well as at least three other planes.

 

[Holy smokes]

He has tarintino to thank

 

[Blrfl]

I think they got it wrong. Chances are they're talking 737, or perhaps even a 717, not 707.

That is most definitely a 707 parked behind his house:

The plane was donated to a museum in Australia.

(Edited to remove incorrect BBJ comment.)

 

[tele12]

It is just me, or is it just a wee bit unattractive to have a 707 parked in your driveway?.....

I think it's pretty freakin' cool to have a 707 parked in you driveway!

 

[Telenator]

He is rated on 707, 737 and 747.
He owned a 707 as well as at least three other planes.

While this is true no one would fly a 707 over 737 as a private jet. It's just not cost effective where maintenance and fuel are concerned. Not to mention that 3600 meters is equal to about 11,800 ft, which would easily accommodate the 737. I think there's an error in the information above.