Recall years ago in the early 60's in southern California hearing Speedbird 591 call at the outer marker (25L, LAX) and receiving "...ah, just what kind of bird is at the marker, say again please..." from the tower.
Then, on departure for LHR later in the evening, 592 would roll 11,500 feet on the 12,000 available and disappear over the sand dunes on the west end, in a very thick cloud of black smoke...the performance of the old 707 was not exactly breathtaking.
Found out personally a few years later.
