Then the term modern, state of the art is relative............ Even after a D check, the cocpit layout of a regular 727 cant compare with a A320, 737NG, etc. A pilot flying one in the 70's would have no problem familiarizing him/herself with the instrumentation.Fuel rate burn cant compare either. I like the old three holer, but short to madium haul jets age quicker due to their higher number of cycles. In pax service it makes more sense to invest in new generation a/c than patch new equipment here and there on an older airframe. But then again, I dont run airlines......... DM