I guess I'm pretty lucky to be flying the 727 (again) and in a place we can really take advantage of the airplane's ability to maneuver and descend.
We quite often approach from directly over the airport at 7000 to 10000 feet and spiral down staying within about 3 miles from the threshold. At anything less than 8000 ft it can be done in one turn no problem with idle thrust, flaps 25 and gear up until on the base turn. Carry a little extra speed so the sink doesn't develop, then spool it up and curve to the final. Obviously not a pax operation.
The lack of pitch and yaw response to power changes makes it a dream to fly compared to aircraft with underwing mounted engines, and except for the landings, it's almost possible to "think" it around. A great combination of maneuverability and stability.