Donated FedEx 727 Lands at Merrill Field

Jumbo jet will be used in university’s aviation maintenance program

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By Lauren Maxwell
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Story Created: Feb 26, 2013 at 6:34 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 26, 2013 at 7:21 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - It was a smooth touchdown today for a jumbo jet that landed safely at Merrill Field. The 727 took its last flight to the small airport where it will be used as a teaching tool for students in UAA’s Aviation Maintenance program.

The best view of the landing was at the Northway Mall where the plane soared low on final approach over the heads of hundreds of spectators who had gathered for the unusual sight.

The jet did several flybys before coming in for a final approach that brought it to a smooth landing on the short runway of Merrill Field.

The 727 cargo jet was one of two planes donated by FedEx to the university. The other plane was flown to Fairbanks for use in the Aviation Maintenance program there.

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lwddya said on Wednesday, Feb 27 at 9:05 AM

I am dismayed at the appalling level of ignorance demonstrated by this reporter. The 727 is not a jumbo-jet. It is one of the fastest jets in its class, as well as one of the slowest (hence its ability to land on relatively short strips). The attraction of this event lies in the fact that it is a one time opportunity to witness a 727 landing on a perfectly adequate runway, in a small municipal airport in the middle of Alaska's largest city. It was a one time event, which is what made it so exciting -- not that it was a 'jumbo jet' landing on a dangerously short airstrip.

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