Clip of the Day: That DC -8 Howl

[@michaelsteiger8509]

We called it the dc-8 mating call

[@MrJimmymapua]

OMG thank you for this video. This is one of the earliest aviation memories I had as a 8 year old. First time seeing a jet, a PAL DC-8 on start up. From 3 floors up on the observation deck, I was mesmerized. I thought I was the only one that remembered that howl. 1-2-3-4! before that beauty started rolling unto the taxiway. The deafening sound. The majestic turns....now 50 years later, I'm still in the aviation world; with 330s, 787s; & NEOs but nothing comes close to hearing the air rush and howl of the DC-8!

[@brenstratters2026]

I cannot say I remember DC-8s howling on start up. However I do remember BAC1-11s doing it at London Gatwick Airport. Similar sound too. All the best.

[@sixtiesjunky3312]

When I was growing up, my dad had a couple of apartment houses about 2 miles out on the final fo LAX 25 Right & Left. At night, when the air was cool, you could hear those "8s" starting up. That sound carried for miles. So the startup in your video was a JAL -61, while the takeoff was a -62. The -62 & -63 pylons didn't extend over the wing leading edge. Also, the -62 & -63 (JT3D-7s) didn;t have reverser cascade doors on the aft portion of the naceles. However, all varients had reverser clam shells at the very back. But what a cool sound those JT-3Bs had on startup. I crewed on all three variants, and when I first signed on with the carrier, they still had a few of the"howlers". The U.S. EPA & FAA made em modifiy those starters due to that noise. It was quite the experience to fly over my dad's apartments and gaze down on the porch I sat on as a child, watching these magnificent monsters on approach. Now retired, thanks to your video, those memories have been refreshed...thank you. p.s. Our Flying Tiger Line A&Ps rocked ! Can't even begin to express how much respect I had for them.

[@cchris874]

I do swear there was also a unique DC-8 sound that its overall shape cut through the air. You could hear it even on the 70 series.

[@stevenrobinson2381]

Think that "howl" is the air starter spooling up on the engine once the butterfly valve is commanded open & some 40-50PSI air at quite a lot of CFM. JT3D as well as JT8D the air starter turned the N2 compressor via a towershaft thru the accessory gearbox. LOTS of drag-fuel control, hydraulic pump as well as the CSD-Constant Speed Drive for the AC Generators.

[@superskullmaster]

Every A&P like myself or most avgeeks/pilots know that. What I don’t know and I’m sure you don’t either is, WHY the starter sounded like that compared to say a 707 or MD-80 which doesn’t sound like that.

[@Starboard76]

What he said....

[@stevenrobinson2381]

@@Starboard76 maybe the overboard ducting ? Having changed out numerous fart starters on JT8D-200 series engines-I will agree with you on that-they don't howl like those of a Greasy 8 persuasion.

[@ManningTaylor]

This is the coolest engine startup I’ve ever heard from a commercial aircraft engine. I grew up near DTW. And could distinguish the sound of a DC-8 climbing after the takeoff. But never heard the ‘howl’.

[@asteiner321]

Loved the sound of DC-8's idling. A minor fifth. Always wondered why 707's didn't sound the same since they had the same engines.

[@EsotericSoul]

My first flight as a child was aboard a United Super DC8 from LAX TO Detroit 👍

[@parrotsarnoso1099]

Beautiful...!! I still remember when I used to work as an A&P mechanic on DC-8s

[@ct8583]

That's pretty cool! thanks for sharing.

[@timbohp]

Brings back GREAT memories!

[@tzw3lz]

As others have commented, I have vivid memories of this sound from the early 60s. First time I heard it, we were in SJU on vacation, on the way from MIA to JFK (dad worked to PA) and we got stuck in SJU trying to get to JFK for 2 days. Somehow we were in the clipper club, overlooking the ramp at SJU and Trans Caribs DC-8s came in/out all day from the gate below. I remember them starting up just below before departure to JFK. Note..after 2 days of sitting there and a very uncomfortable night at the hotel there, we gave up on JFK and went to PHL, drove to JFK to pick up the car and went home.. I am sure my parents were totally fed up with this (the joys of non-rev), but I thought it was totally cool.....

[@massimilianomoretti1067]

DC8 -61 and DC8-62 !!!

[@cchris874]

I want one of those for the roof of my car.

[@machpodfan]

Back when jet flying was still epic in many ways!

[@daniels.9206]

I lived under the approach path into Buffalo, NY. UA and EA frequently flew the DC-8's in and out. To me, they were so ear piercing loud I labelled them "The Screecher!"

[@brownwhaledriver]

Lived in Lockport

[@Gracie289]

She was the original "Queen of the Skies" at United Air Lines...

[@rlee3966]

A great aircraft! Made in the USA 🇺🇸. 😊Enjoyed cleaning the DC-8. At San Francisco International Airport. For the great BRANIFF INTERNATIONAL!

[@BettyEdwards-x5f]

Thanks for the forecast! I have a quick question: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?

[@charlesbarnes9386]

The IL-86 makes a similar sound on startup.

[@OGLD]

Low bypass turbines scream!

[@jamrackmusic2198]

If you want to hear more of that DC 8 start up howl, check out this excellent NFB ( National Film Board of Canada) documentary called Jet Pilot, about the flight operations day for an early 1960’s TCA ( Trans Canada Airlines) DC 8 crew. One of my favourite vintage aviation films. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIDOmGing7Gsl9Esi=e3cPE6Tm2yNA2tJD

[@Starboard76]

Great Doc on TCA. I really like how they put the jet spool up in there and the scenes of the original MBJ airport terminal. Thanks for that!

[@paulkile9998]

I love the asynchronous chorusing as each of the engines comes online...almost reminiscent of a propliner