Easily distinguish between Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Learn to identify key features like cockpit windows, nose shapes, engines, and more.
Introduction
Boeing and Airbus are the giants of the aviation world, producing some of the most recognizable and widely used aircraft globally. While both manufacturers dominate the skies, their designs feature distinct characteristics that can help you tell them apart. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a traveler curious about planes, or someone working in the industry, understanding these differences can add a layer of appreciation to your flying experience.
This guide provides simple yet effective methods to differentiate between Boeing and Airbus aircraft. From exterior features like cockpit windows and engine placements to internal aspects such as cockpit layout, these tips will help you identify an aircraft with ease.
Method 1: Examining the Exterior
Step 1: Inspect the Cockpit Windows
The shape and angles of the cockpit windows offer clear clues:
- Boeing: The last window pane has wide, angular corners, giving it a less square appearance.
- Airbus: The last window pane has sharp angles, often forming a right angle at its intersection with the fuselage.
Step 2: Observe the Nose Shape
The nose of the aircraft varies significantly between the two manufacturers:
- Boeing: Sharp and pointy nose.
- Airbus: Rounded nose, resembling a semi-circle.
Step 3: Examine the Engine Shape
The engines are another telltale sign:
- Boeing: Engines often have a flat bottom and a circular top (common in the Boeing 737 series). However, some models like the 777, 767, 747, and 787 feature round engines similar to Airbus designs.
- Airbus: Engines are typically circular and evenly shaped.
Step 4: Check Engine Placement
The positioning of the engines on the wings differs:
- Boeing: Engines are mounted forward, extending in front of the wing.
- Airbus: Engines are placed fully under the wing, making them more visible from rear seating.
Step 5: Look at the Tail Fin
The connection between the tail fin and the fuselage provides another identifier:
- Boeing: The tail fin slopes gradually into the body of the aircraft, forming a gentle extension.
- Airbus: The tail fin connects sharply to the fuselage without an extended slope.
Step 6: Observe the Landing Gear Retraction
This feature is most visible during takeoff:
- Boeing 737: The rear landing gears retract but remain visible without a compartment.
- Airbus and other Boeing models: The rear landing gears retract into a compartment, becoming fully enclosed.
Method 2: Examining Other Aspects
Step 1: Inspect the Cockpit Controls
If you can see inside the cockpit, the control systems differ:
- Boeing: Features a traditional yoke resembling a “U-shaped” steering wheel, located in front of both pilot seats.
- Airbus: Uses a sidestick (joystick) located to the side of each pilot’s seat.
Step 2: Check Emergency Exit Handles
The design of emergency exits provides additional clues:
- Boeing: Large, rotating latch handles.
- Airbus: Slim, vertical push handles.
Step 3: Note Cockpit Space
If the cockpit is visible, the space between the captain and first officer’s seats can reveal the aircraft type:
- Boeing: Narrow cockpit with limited space between seats.
- Airbus: Spacious cockpit with more room between seats.
Additional Tips and Exceptions
- Boeing’s Flat Engine Bottom: Found primarily in the 737 series due to its lower ground clearance, designed to prevent scraping.
- Landing Gear Visibility: Only the Boeing 737 features visible rear landing gear after retraction.
- Age of the Companies: Boeing, founded in the early 1900s, is older than Airbus, which was established in the 1970s.
Conclusion
By focusing on these key features—cockpit windows, nose shapes, engine designs, and cockpit layouts—you can easily distinguish between Boeing and Airbus aircraft. While exceptions exist for certain models, these general guidelines will help you identify the world’s most popular airplanes with confidence. Happy plane spotting!
