I flew the 9 for continental from 1987 till they were retired. I was based in DEN, EWR, CLE, IAH and GSO. I loved that plane like non other in my career. Having flown the 727,737 and 747 I wouldn’t trade anything for the fun of flying the 9. It rode well in bad weather, handled a crosswind (I landed above max demonstrated several times) and was the quietest cockpit in the fleet. Hand flying a 9 was a dream most should have the joy of experiencing.
I was a frequent passenger between Malmö and Stockholm in those days. SAS operated a ”bus” service, one flight per hour, no security, no assigned seat, coupon ticket, always DC-9 or MD-80. You could arrive at the airport ten minutes before take-off and still make it. Those were the heydays of air travel. The DC-9 and the MD-80 were the most comfortable rides, a bit noisy in the back, but up front it was heavenly.
@@kendalldad No doubt any DC-9 series was loud in the back! To us airplane geeks sitting in the back was like a symphony! Pushback you could hear the power going to ignitors over the PA somehow but I always heard it then the engines running slightly out of sync the entire time. On the 9's with slats when crew deployed them you usually heard a slight eeeerp noise. I really miss riding on these old birds. I still see a baby 9 every now and then (N112PS) flying thru my home airport. This plane is well over 50 years old and still soldiering on! :)
I flew the Series 10 in 1967 on the LAX-to-El Paso,TX route with Continental Airlines, “The Proud Bird with the Golden Tail.” I’ve flown a great many different planes, but the DC-9 remains my favorite. IMO, its beauty is in its sleek appearance.
Excellent video! After flying the DC9-21, -51 and MD82. 83 and 87 for over 15 years, I was unaware of some of the information you unearthed. Of them all the DC9-21 was the most enjoyable to fly, as it had the smaller fuselage of the -10 with slatted wings and engines of the -30, making it great for short runways, and it handled like a dream. SAS bought 10 of the -21s for their short rough runway operations. By comparison flying the MD80 series was like driving a truck, but the distance from the engines made it fantastically quiet. With the internal APU and short landing gear, The DC9 was well suited for rough field operations, and the low (6" 1" IIRC) door sill height allowed most ground boarding ramps to be used. The addition of internal air stairs made the airplane self sufficient with only fuel being required for ground support. A detail of DC9 design was that Douglas designed the wing with enough redundant load paths that it was certified without a life cycle limit. Looking forward to your treatment of the MD80! Well done!!
I remember flying on DC-9s (and their MD descendants) a lot through the early 1990s; a notable memory was flying on Hawaiian Airlines MD-80s with several rows of seats near the back of the plane taped off, as the MD-80 was not at that time certificated, and the planes were flying under Hawaiian's existing DC-9 type operating certificate.
The md80 is on the Dc9 type certificate as Dc9-80. I flew the Dc9 for continental and flew the Dc9 10,30,50, but we flew the 80 as different crews due to the vast difference in the use due to the fms and it’s integration. If Hawaiian flew with seats blocked I’ll bet it was due to maintenance or lack of a flight attendant. The md80 took one more than Dc9. No aircraft in service is non certified.
@@777jones Farmer Ted is correct. if my memory is right the FAA required 1 F/A per 50 seats. Ted were you CO, or Tex Int'l?. I'm showing my age now. I was CO. When we merged, we were allowed to bid their lines but they couldn't bid ours since they were not trained on the rest of CO equipment. It was a rough merger with Frank Lorenzo. We thought for sure we would be called Co-Tx Air. My first flight as a F/A was on a DC-9-10, -30. I, as well as every flight attendant hated working that plane. There was no room for ovens and back then we didn't taxi without a hot meal service (we busted our ass's back then) no ovens so we had the infamous Aladdin Trays... no magic carpet ride. They were loaded already cooked and hot, one on top of the other with no extra space whatsoever. It was hard to pry them apart as the heat would create a suction. But the bigger problem was putting them away. You became a garbage picker. Everything on the tray had to sit a certain way to restack them, no cans, no beverage glasses, silverware had to lay flat, no used napkins. You had minutes to break down these nightmare trays before landing in an area the size of a phone booth that you had to share with the f/a working first class that was usually some old senior momma whose hips were far more suited for a wide body a/c. Loads of memories...The Proud Bird with the Gold Tail.
My memories with flying on MD-80's are to be continuely asked to move frome back seats to middle-front seats whenever the flight was not near full capacity :)
@@mrkkg27 sorry this took so long, actually I’m people express, I went to the 9 in December of 87 from the 74 in Ewr to go to Denver base (always a dream of mine). Yes the back was I’m sure worse than the front, but once on the dc9 I had to be forced off with its retirement. As you know I don’t miss the integration of the 5 airlines the 80’s and 90’s were rough years.
Love the DC-9! I loved flying on them, it always seemed that when they left the runway they climbed like a rocket! Even watching them take off at airports it looked like that.
@@alhanes5803 Yes, it was terrible! If the Captain would have trusted his young first officer, Lyman wanted to proceed directly to Dobbins Air Force Base.
Grew up on a flight path. DC-3, DC-8, DC-9 were all regular visitors for my region. Later, some DC-10s and the odd 727 flew over (both ridiculously loud--cracked windows). I always loved the DC-3 and the DC-9. They looked bad ass and both had a fantastic engine sound. On approach or take-off. Long time ago, now. thanks for this memory.
My first flight, and my first memory of flying is on a DC9 with SAS. From I was 4 months old in 72 to the 90s we fly to visit my grandmother once a year in DC9 and MDs. All good memoryes.
Totally. I was about 9, and so would have been 1970/71. The flight was 2 stages, total nearly 2000 miles. 2 take-offs and landings. :). The power at take-off was awesome, combined with the steep ascent made it seem like a rocket spaceship.
I used to work for Midwest Airlines. They operated only DC-9 type airframes and in 2003 had DC9-10, -30, MD80, MD88 and Boeing 717 airframes in their fleet.
Just got done with a four leg day on this exact aircraft N932CE! Two trips to from PANC to PABE and back. Such a goodley flying airplane, all steam gauges and no GPS required!
And I was a flight attendant for American for a long time, and definitely have hearing loss from years of sitting through reverse thrust on the aft jumpseat during landing. I loved the MD80. Other than in the very back it was quiet and passengers enjoyed the 3/2 seating. The first class galley was huge, private and truly perfect to work in. I will miss it
This is the plane I got 3,000 flying hours in. All primitive steam gauges but very forgiving to fly. Getting from one place to another was by radio navigation. GPS devices were added later especially when getting across the Atlantic by way of Canada and Iceland. If I had to ditch in a big lake or ocean this is the plane to do it with as it can float for quite a bit with wheels up and engines high. Captain Sully didn't have that advantage. What he did was remarkable and fantastic. Had only one close call in this jet. Ran into a flock of geese while going into Denver. The tower radioed they were watching a wedge of geese heading straight towards us. The engineer sitting in the high middle seat saw them before we did and told us to pull up. So . . . we did. We missed them by mere feet. Rob (the engineer) said later he could see the geese tumble to lose altitude while we were gaining it. He also said he didn't realize that geese had white to their eyes because that's how wide they were. Hey, I didn't know either!
I was a flight engineer for the ATI Italian national airline in the 80s, in the video you can see an ATI DC9, so I lived on the DC-9 and MD-80! It was an excellent aircraft, robust and reliable, it had its own personality like the planes of that time. Tks for this great video
I took many rides on the DC-9 as a youngster and loved it. The quick acceleration on takeoff pushed your back into the seat. Unfortunately, during the mid-to-late 1960's there was a lot of competition between aircraft manufacturers to build a short to medium range plane and the market was flooded with B-737, B-727, B-720, Caravelle, BAC-111, etc.... Hugh Hefner had his own customized DC-9 that ended up with Aeromexico in the 1990's. The original DC-9 is one of my all-time favorites.
I havent even finished watching yet but I just had to pause to say I love the attention to detail such as the time taken to outline the components being talked about. Those with knowledge on the topic arent put out by it but those who arent super plane nerds will appreciate seeing what and where these identified bits sit on the design
Fascinating and informative. Thanks. My family flew in an Air Canada DC-9 from Toronto to NYC in the late 60's. I was 10 loved the look of the plane. From NYC we took a Pan AM DC8 to London. I loved every second of the journey. Same route on the way home. DC8 from London to NYC and DC9 to Toronto.
Eastern in Miami gave some free 1 hr Flight when they 1st got them. A 10yr old kid entriged with Flight & my Dads first Jet Airplane ride.TY for taking me back.
I flew on one of the very last flights of the last DC-9’ still in service with Delta Air Lines back in 2013, I think. As an aviation nerd that was an awesome experience. She still had the old school high school cafeteria shade green paint around the gauges (I always peek in the cockpit when I walk by, lol) and the cabin interior looked gloriously ancient, like flying on a time machine on its way back to 1972. She was a good old bird, and got me there early.
I worked on C9B (DC-9-30) Navy designation for almost 20 years. Flew them around the world. I love that airframe, my dream would be the own one and at my leisure
My favorite airplane. The DC9 was a very sturdy built airplane. I flew on the -50 version after Delta inherited them from Northwest. Smooth ride quiet and very safe in my book.
Loved the DC-9. I remember travelling to London in one with only about 20 passengers in board. It went 'upstairs' like a bat out of hell. Very impressive. My other favourite at that time was the BAC1-11.
The landing at 14:07 although its rear view i think it is somewhere in Spain and the plane owes to Aviaco you can see by the spanish flag ribbon at the top of the tail and the blue colors of the company. Its the same company blue lines and a big A in the tail, that i see in the pic of the cover. They were also fleet for Iberia. My father was one of the team (Rafael y Gregorio) that make the deal with MD in the 1970s to bring the DC-9 to Spain. About 20 or 30 came to Spain and they were still flying in 2010 decade. I as a kid flew several times in that plane. Beautiful time it was. Proud of my father that would have loved your video. Congratulations from Madrid.
Having flown roundtrip from National to La Guardia on Eastern's DC9s every Sunday for two years back in the early 70's I have many fond memories. I flew "Standby." Never once missed a flight. Only one time had to return to La Guardia when the luggage bay opened. And another time waited in the hangar as they prepped the plane. So many airlines come and go: National, TWA, Pan Am, Braniff & Eastern.
Always loved the classic Diesel-9. Sitting in the back next to one of those JT8D engines was my favorite seat. Especially at start-up and takeoff! They just looked cool too. Unlike today's cookie cutter, conventional tail, twins-on-the-wings, boring as the day is long commercial jets. Thanks for the video my friend, good stuff!
Hello I worked this type for Easter Airlines in the 80s and we called the F model. Nice video thanks for the memories. The apu was over the airsteires and to this day I have hearing problems. Saludos
I was a crew chief on the C-9A Nightingales in my first few years in the Air Force. Classic McDonnell Douglas aircraft are simple but built like tanks. Very well made aircraft; hated to see them go.
I used to see the Northwest and Delta DC-9s all the time when I lived in Cleveland and worked at Hopkins International Airport back in the day. They were the best looking because of the t-tail and the clean fuselage. Simple yet elegant. I miss these jets.
Great historical on an aircraft that built local, regional and national economies of scale we see today. The DC-9s are a part of my childhood growing up in Louisville near the airport in the 70s and 80s. I miss seeing the Eastern, Trans World, Ozark, Allegheny, USAir, Delta, Republic, Northwest into and out of Louisville. A short time even New York Air. Thanks for the upload.
I love the DC-9 and MD-80's, used to fly a lot on them with Finnair, SAS, Swissair and Iberia. They were safe, roomy, quiet and dependable, it is sad to see these wonderful old birds being phased out :( They will be missed. American Airlines retired their MD-80's this autumn and Delta is still operating MD-80 and MD-90 & 95 and 717, Hawaiian has also a large fleet of 717's.
Hi all DC9 fans, wow IT was such a cool airplane. I have some 4500 hrs on it as pilot and I just loved it as hell ha ha. Even over the MD80 which I also flew some thousands hours. I flew the -10/-14/-15/-21/-32/-41/-51 in both SAS and British Midlands during the 90s. Before becoming a pilot, I was an apprentice in avionics and learned everything about its systems, I just loved those black boxes. Of it times it was just like the Apollo electromechanical systems. The sound of the PW JT8 engines where awesome! Btw check out the story of The Bunny, Huge Hefner’s/Playboys private jet. A DC9-32 taken off the production line in 69 and being rebuilt over the following year with all thinkable interior and equipment. Such a cool story. Peace&love!
My very first flight back in 1985 was on a DC 9 32 series (OZARK AIRLINES) I had a seat just in front of the engine on the port side, a window seat. What I experienced as far as engine noise, was a loud hum other than that the aircraft had a lot of power on the ground roll and a very impressive steep climb rate!!! I truly miss not seeing these birds in the air anymore and I’m seeing very few MD80s and MD90s these days as well.😔
The DC-9 family of aircraft are indeed excellent aeroplanes for their purposes with interesting features & aircraft systems. It is also interesting to note that at one stage, the DC-9 family of aircraft were just as popular as the Boeing 737 & Airbus 320 family of planes. The Boeing 717-200 which is a revised version of Douglas Cooperation's DC-9 is essentially a DC-9-30 on steroids & is to this day the best jet I have ever flown in as a passenger. The B-717 is quiet & very comfortable to fly in thanks to its rear mounted engines & aerodynamically clear wings. I also love the sound of its powerful BMW/Rolls Royce BR-715 engines! Just like its predecessors the DC-9, MD-80 & MD-90, the B-717 is a very attractive lovely looking jet with its swept back wings and T-tail design configuration which also makes it very slick in appearance and performance. Its so sad that they do not manufacture these aircraft anymore.
My grandparents lived very close to the main approach pattern for JFK in New York, and one of my fellow geeky friends and I would sit on the back porch for hours, watching the planes on their final approach and trying to guess the next one by sound before it came into sight. You mentioned the Electra, which always sounded different from any other aircraft -- but for some reason we were also both able to accurately predict 747s and DC-9s (the Boeing had a deep buzzing noise, the older DC-9 had a specific tone to its engines). Sadly, as newer models came out, the DC-9's began to sound like everything else...
The DC-9 was a great aircraft and a very smooth ride. It was far more quiet than a 707, especially if you sat more towards the front. It was however very noisy in the back where the engines were. But there is also something about the design of an aircraft with the engines at the rear vs on the wing that made the ride smoother. I loved the DC-9.
Douglass aircraft ess the cadillac, boeing the Ford. I worked in the wood shop in Torrance on the dc9 md80. Interiors dept. Fwd drop ceiling. Began with ship 1520. Best job I ever had. When that job comes back, this economy will truly be thriving.
This was reminiscent, of a program that was lobbing on short to medium haul flying. When the DC-9 concept came to be, the McDonnell Douglas company concidered a "small family" airplane program that would seat about 100 people for the shorter hops. The Boeing company was developing their own "small" airplane, the 737, at about the same time, when the DC-9 model was being built. It was to be a huge competition between these two great companies, but both went on to become really good selling airplanes. The Douglas company was teetering with a "rear engine", and "T-tail" layout, and have a foldable "rear air stair" like the 727, and Bac-111. The airlines liked the concept, and placed orders. The basic DC-9-15 series, was to have a 99 passenger seating capacity, powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT-8D-7 turbofans. The first airplane was adorned with a striking company paint scheme. It sold many examples, and was a pretty little jet that was loved by pilots. Having been dubbed by some: the little "Hot-Rod", it had superb handling capabilities. The later version DC-9-32 series, which was 15 feet longer, was a very popular airplane among the carriers that ordered it. The capacity was 115 passengers in a two class layout, which was what the airlines liked. It was powered by more powerful P&W JT-8D-15 turbofans. The range was extended just about to 1,300 nautical miles compared to the 920 of the '15 series. The company was than seeing exclusive sales doing well for the DC-9, that a longer version was than concidered. The DC-9-51 was a 15 foot longer airplane than the '32 series, and sat up to 140 passengers respectively. It too sold really well, and was a good addition to higher capacity "short-range" routes. The military had ordered many of the C-9A "Flying Hospital" airplanes, that were a DC-9-32 airframe, that was flown by Air Force pilots for military troops that were injured, to care for them, and flown back to their own bases on this uniquely constructed airplane. The C-9A, was used primarily through Air Force bases around the country. The same airframe '32 series, was than specifically used as a VIP transport, to carry the president's "White House" cabinet members. This one special airplane, had the "presidential" paint scheme applied. The success of the DC-9 later curtailed to newer advanced types, the MD-80 series, and the MD-90 series airplanes, but that was another successful story.
Excellent job. I’ve got well over 10,000 hours in the DC-9 family and they are extremely sturdy and dependable aircraft. While they are not my favorite aircraft I’ve flown (L-1011 followed by A-320 series), they were quiet and reliable (though the window seals always leak during deicing no matter what the vintage). In every case I’ll take them over the cramped and noisy confines of a 737 any day.
In 1982 I had bought a standby-ticket from Republic Airlines and travelled around all over the United States onboard DC-9 aircraft. I am from Austria and Austrian Airlines had also many DC9 in service.
Photos from 14:59 to 15:08 are of the crash of Air Canada flight 189, a DC-9-32 taking off from Toronto bound for Winnipeg which blew a tire during takeoff. Pilot aborted the takeoff but was unable to stop the aircraft and over-ran the runway. The aircraft dropped into a ravine - the same ravine that Air France flight 358 fell into quite a few years later. At that point in my career I was working for Transport Canada and happened to be working at the YYZ control tower when the accident occurred. Needless to say it was quite a mess - though it could have been a lot worse. The aircraft did not burn and only 2 out of 107 souls on board were killed.
I once read someone comment "When the last A320 is sent to the desert the airline will still have to send a DC-9 to pick up the crew" and I believe it. Whenever that day comes a Diesel 9 or Mad Dog will still be in service somewhere.
Doubtful. If noise doesn’t ban it from US airspace the cost of maintenance and the finality of fatigue life will. Even the MD-90 and Boeing 717 are orphaned aircraft that will be in the desert while *_new_*_ A320s are still being made!_ It worked better with the DC-3... which could theoretically fly forever since it has a simple unpressurized aluminum structure and engines that can easily be replaced with newer ones.... but it ceased being relevant to airlines decades ago.
@@Bartonovich52 As mentioned that was a bit of wishful thinking, BUT: I didn't say anything about the United States. I said "somewhere." Noise regulations don't exist/matter in the third world countries where most of the DC-9's still flying are located anyway. If you really want to split hairs with the recent introduction of the A320 NEO it is feasible that a DC-9, MD-80, or 717 could be in service somewhere when the last original A320 is sent to the desert.
Sometime back, the Canadian Museum of Aviation and Aerospace in Ottawa acquired a DC-9 from Air Canada. I would often joke that Delta is still flying a museum piece!
I never knew the DC9 was a narrowbody until I saw it on TV this week! I've heard a lot about the revolutionary 707 of the same sixties era - but the DC9 somehow skipped my notice. Thanks for the info!
Nice video, BUT the MD80, was originally called DC-9 "Super 80". Many operators have painted the "Super 80" titles on the fuselage. Later the Super 80, was renamed MD80.
I remember growing up in the early 70s across from the Decatur, IL airport and always seeing Ozark Airlines DC-9s (and Fokker F-27s) landing and taking off as they made their regional rounds. Great video on a great plane!
You mention Ozark--a fine regional airline. Also, do you remember North Central Airline? They were a fine carrier, and they operated a mix of DC-9s and Convair 580 turboprops.
Thanks Skyships Eng for your comprehensive summary of the DC9/MD80/MD90/B717. One observation I would like to share. At TWA the had many variances of the aircraft. After the merger with OZARK Airlines even larger as they were the backbone of their fleet. The MD80/MD90 was notorious with issues of weight and balance. When we had a light load we would have to not only move passengers to the forward of the Coach Cabin but give upgrades to First Class to have the weight in the nose of the aircraft.
Thank you Sky for yet another wonderful presented and thoroughly researched video. I don't know how much time and effort you put into these, but I know quality when I see it. I am always enjoying your work with a good cup of coffee and ample time :) Take care!
My first time flying was on a DC-9 with AirTran. Was already nervous and when that old discolored plane pulled into the gate was even more so. It shook and rattled as they stopped on the way out to the runway. But made it to my destination safely
I love all the comments here. I'm really sick of all the airbus fans running down Boeing, and Douglas on other tubes. If not for Boeing, Douglas, and Lockheed, there would be know air bs. I flew these birds many times from Chicago to FL and back many times, as well as DC-10, 727, 737, 757 and L1011's. Loved them all. Wish had flown DC 8, 707, and 747's. Empty wishes now, unfortunately.
Can't forget the VICKERS VISCOUNT! The best in turbo-props. CAPITAL AIRLINES. And the DC-8. Yes, I preferred to sit by the engines in all 3 of the aircraft. The POWER ! The SOUND !!!!
Cracked me up that around 20 years after Delta retired the DC-9, they started showing up in Delta paint again because of the planes acquired from the NWA merger. Strictly VOR to VOR navigation too, if I had a dollar each time I heard a DC-9 pilot say "unable" to ATC's request to fly direct to a fix somewhere.
DC-9, a beautiful aircraft. Being both European and old, I did some flights in the BAC-111 and the Caravelle. The Caravelle was adored in the European skies, me - I thought it was a rough and slightly scary ride.
I flew the 9 for continental from 1987 till they were retired. I was based in DEN, EWR, CLE, IAH and GSO. I loved that plane like non other in my career. Having flown the 727,737 and 747 I wouldn’t trade anything for the fun of flying the 9. It rode well in bad weather, handled a crosswind (I landed above max demonstrated several times) and was the quietest cockpit in the fleet. Hand flying a 9 was a dream most should have the joy of experiencing.
It may have been quiet in the cockpit but you should have ridden in the back..especially near the tail 😬
Dad flew those and 27s for TWA from 68-95.
Yeah? I was the lead guitarist for Collective Soul.
I too flew the 9 series 10/30’s from 88 to 95, giving up that jet for the 737-3/4/5 was like giving up an AC Cobra for an Edsel station wagon.
@@billylain7456yes that was the smoking section, you only have yourself to blame….😅
I flew DC-9 for 6 years in SAS back in the 90’ as a young copilot....still miss that aircraft. 😎😎.
Did you fly the -20 series along with the others? I never got to ride a 20 but rode all the other series! LUV the "9"
I was a frequent passenger between Malmö and Stockholm in those days. SAS operated a ”bus” service, one flight per hour, no security, no assigned seat, coupon ticket, always DC-9 or MD-80. You could arrive at the airport ten minutes before take-off and still make it. Those were the heydays of air travel. The DC-9 and the MD-80 were the most comfortable rides, a bit noisy in the back, but up front it was heavenly.
Lol, the noise and vibration in the rear was horrible. While I loved watching them, as a passenger I avoided this aircraft at all costs.
@@kendalldad No doubt any DC-9 series was loud in the back! To us airplane geeks sitting in the back was like a symphony! Pushback you could hear the power going to ignitors over the PA somehow but I always heard it then the engines running slightly out of sync the entire time. On the 9's with slats when crew deployed them you usually heard a slight eeeerp noise. I really miss riding on these old birds. I still see a baby 9 every now and then (N112PS) flying thru my home airport. This plane is well over 50 years old and still soldiering on! :)
Is it possible for the DC-9/MD-80/MD-90 be innovated following the lead of Hondajet with its on-top-of-wings mounted jet engines?
Good story. Now we’re waiting the MD-80
Wanna review the MD-80/MD-90 episode? Click link below.
ruclips.net/video/orcla4RmlsM/видео.html
August 87 Torrance woodshop, my first ship was #1520.
I flew the Series 10 in 1967 on the LAX-to-El Paso,TX route with Continental Airlines, “The Proud Bird with the Golden Tail.” I’ve flown a great many different planes, but the DC-9 remains my favorite. IMO, its beauty is in its sleek appearance.
Excellent video! After flying the DC9-21, -51 and MD82. 83 and 87 for over 15 years, I was unaware of some of the information you unearthed.
Of them all the DC9-21 was the most enjoyable to fly, as it had the smaller fuselage of the -10 with slatted wings and engines of the -30, making it great for short runways, and it handled like a dream. SAS bought 10 of the -21s for their short rough runway operations. By comparison flying the MD80 series was like driving a truck, but the distance from the engines made it fantastically quiet.
With the internal APU and short landing gear, The DC9 was well suited for rough field operations, and the low (6" 1" IIRC) door sill height allowed most ground boarding ramps to be used. The addition of internal air stairs made the airplane self sufficient with only fuel being required for ground support.
A detail of DC9 design was that Douglas designed the wing with enough redundant load paths that it was certified without a life cycle limit.
Looking forward to your treatment of the MD80!
Well done!!
Of all the jets my dad flew for Eastern, he was there 'till the end, this was his favorite. He called it a real pilot's plane.
I remember flying on DC-9s (and their MD descendants) a lot through the early 1990s; a notable memory was flying on Hawaiian Airlines MD-80s with several rows of seats near the back of the plane taped off, as the MD-80 was not at that time certificated, and the planes were flying under Hawaiian's existing DC-9 type operating certificate.
I see dc-9, I click like.
The md80 is on the Dc9 type certificate as Dc9-80. I flew the Dc9 for continental and flew the Dc9 10,30,50, but we flew the 80 as different crews due to the vast difference in the use due to the fms and it’s integration. If Hawaiian flew with seats blocked I’ll bet it was due to maintenance or lack of a flight attendant. The md80 took one more than Dc9. No aircraft in service is non certified.
@@777jones Farmer Ted is correct. if my memory is right the FAA required 1 F/A per 50 seats. Ted were you CO, or Tex Int'l?. I'm showing my age now. I was CO. When we merged, we were allowed to bid their lines but they couldn't bid ours since they were not trained on the rest of CO equipment. It was a rough merger with Frank Lorenzo. We thought for sure we would be called Co-Tx Air. My first flight as a F/A was on a DC-9-10, -30. I, as well as every flight attendant hated working that plane. There was no room for ovens and back then we didn't taxi without a hot meal service (we busted our ass's back then) no ovens so we had the infamous Aladdin Trays... no magic carpet ride. They were loaded already cooked and hot, one on top of the other with no extra space whatsoever. It was hard to pry them apart as the heat would create a suction. But the bigger problem was putting them away. You became a garbage picker. Everything on the tray had to sit a certain way to restack them, no cans, no beverage glasses, silverware had to lay flat, no used napkins. You had minutes to break down these nightmare trays before landing in an area the size of a phone booth that you had to share with the f/a working first class that was usually some old senior momma whose hips were far more suited for a wide body a/c. Loads of memories...The Proud Bird with the Gold Tail.
My memories with flying on MD-80's are to be continuely asked to move frome back seats to middle-front seats whenever the flight was not near full capacity :)
@@mrkkg27 sorry this took so long, actually I’m people express, I went to the 9 in December of 87 from the 74 in Ewr to go to Denver base (always a dream of mine). Yes the back was I’m sure worse than the front, but once on the dc9 I had to be forced off with its retirement. As you know I don’t miss the integration of the 5 airlines the 80’s and 90’s were rough years.
Love the DC-9! I loved flying on them, it always seemed that when they left the runway they climbed like a rocket! Even watching them take off at airports it looked like that.
I flew the "9" for 9 years at NWA. Four different models (-10, -30, -40, and -50); LOTS of fun!!!
Flew the “9” with Southern Airways ❤, Republic Airlines and Northwest Airlines… a very reliable aircraft, enjoyable and easy to operate.
@@twarrior17
Did you happen to know anyone on the Southern 9 that crashed outside of Atlanta in 77?
Or did you fly at a different time?
@@alhanes5803 Yes, I knew the (US Navy) f/o Lyman Keel.
@@twarrior17
Terrible tragedy.
They almost had it made, had they not run out of room. 🙏
@@alhanes5803 Yes, it was terrible! If the Captain would have trusted his young first officer, Lyman wanted to proceed directly to Dobbins Air Force Base.
Grew up on a flight path. DC-3, DC-8, DC-9 were all regular visitors for my region. Later, some DC-10s and the odd 727 flew over (both ridiculously loud--cracked windows). I always loved the DC-3 and the DC-9. They looked bad ass and both had a fantastic engine sound. On approach or take-off. Long time ago, now. thanks for this memory.
My first flight, and my first memory of flying is on a DC9 with SAS. From I was 4 months old in 72 to the 90s we fly to visit my grandmother once a year in DC9 and MDs. All good memoryes.
The DC-3 is the blueprint base for every transport plane since. It's DNA is in everything we fly.
My first flight was as a five-year-old aboard a DC-9, back in the summer of 1968. It's still one of my most vivid childhood memories.
Totally. I was about 9, and so would have been 1970/71. The flight was 2 stages, total nearly 2000 miles. 2 take-offs and landings. :). The power at take-off was awesome, combined with the steep ascent made it seem like a rocket spaceship.
@@hazchemel
Yeah buddy!
Same with the 727.
Rocket Ships.
I used to work for Midwest Airlines. They operated only DC-9 type airframes and in 2003 had DC9-10, -30, MD80, MD88 and Boeing 717 airframes in their fleet.
Just got done with a four leg day on this exact aircraft N932CE! Two trips to from PANC to PABE and back. Such a goodley flying airplane, all steam gauges and no GPS required!
“They wanted the whole caravelle”, possibly my favourite quotes yet.
And I was a flight attendant for American for a long time, and definitely have hearing loss from years of sitting through reverse thrust on the aft jumpseat during landing. I loved the MD80. Other than in the very back it was quiet and passengers enjoyed the 3/2 seating. The first class galley was huge, private and truly perfect to work in. I will miss it
This is the plane I got 3,000 flying hours in. All primitive steam gauges but very forgiving to fly. Getting from one place to another was by radio navigation. GPS devices were added later especially when getting across the Atlantic by way of Canada and Iceland. If I had to ditch in a big lake or ocean this is the plane to do it with as it can float for quite a bit with wheels up and engines high. Captain Sully didn't have that advantage. What he did was remarkable and fantastic. Had only one close call in this jet. Ran into a flock of geese while going into Denver. The tower radioed they were watching a wedge of geese heading straight towards us. The engineer sitting in the high middle seat saw them before we did and told us to pull up. So . . . we did. We missed them by mere feet. Rob (the engineer) said later he could see the geese tumble to lose altitude while we were gaining it. He also said he didn't realize that geese had white to their eyes because that's how wide they were. Hey, I didn't know either!
I was a flight engineer for the ATI Italian national airline in the 80s, in the video you can see an ATI DC9, so I lived on the DC-9 and MD-80! It was an excellent aircraft, robust and reliable, it had its own personality like the planes of that time. Tks for this great video
What a great aircraft built to last
I took many rides on the DC-9 as a youngster and loved it. The quick acceleration on takeoff pushed your back into the seat. Unfortunately, during the mid-to-late 1960's there was a lot of competition between aircraft manufacturers to build a short to medium range plane and the market was flooded with B-737, B-727, B-720, Caravelle, BAC-111, etc.... Hugh Hefner had his own customized DC-9 that ended up with Aeromexico in the 1990's. The original DC-9 is one of my all-time favorites.
Always loved flying on those. Sitting i the back when they spooled up on take off and then retching altitude...the sound was awesome.
I havent even finished watching yet but I just had to pause to say I love the attention to detail such as the time taken to outline the components being talked about. Those with knowledge on the topic arent put out by it but those who arent super plane nerds will appreciate seeing what and where these identified bits sit on the design
Fascinating and informative. Thanks. My family flew in an Air Canada DC-9 from Toronto to NYC in the late 60's. I was 10 loved the look of the plane. From NYC we took a Pan AM DC8 to London. I loved every second of the journey. Same route on the way home. DC8 from London to NYC and DC9 to Toronto.
Eastern in Miami gave some free 1 hr Flight when they 1st got them. A 10yr old kid entriged with Flight & my Dads first Jet Airplane ride.TY for taking me back.
I flew on one of the very last flights of the last DC-9’ still in service with Delta Air Lines back in 2013, I think. As an aviation nerd that was an awesome experience. She still had the old school high school cafeteria shade green paint around the gauges (I always peek in the cockpit when I walk by, lol) and the cabin interior looked gloriously ancient, like flying on a time machine on its way back to 1972. She was a good old bird, and got me there early.
I worked on C9B (DC-9-30) Navy designation for almost 20 years. Flew them around the world. I love that airframe, my dream would be the own one and at my leisure
My favorite airplane. The DC9 was a very sturdy built airplane. I flew on the -50 version after Delta inherited them from Northwest. Smooth ride quiet and very safe in my book.
Loved the DC-9. I remember travelling to London in one with only about 20 passengers in board. It went 'upstairs' like a bat out of hell. Very impressive. My other favourite at that time was the BAC1-11.
The landing at 14:07 although its rear view i think it is somewhere in Spain and the plane owes to Aviaco you can see by the spanish flag ribbon at the top of the tail and the blue colors of the company. Its the same company blue lines and a big A in the tail, that i see in the pic of the cover. They were also fleet for Iberia. My father was one of the team (Rafael y Gregorio) that make the deal with MD in the 1970s to bring the DC-9 to Spain. About 20 or 30 came to Spain and they were still flying in 2010 decade. I as a kid flew several times in that plane. Beautiful time it was. Proud of my father that would have loved your video. Congratulations from Madrid.
I'll never forget that flight back in 1977 between Saskatoon, Sask to Calgary, Alb. My ears are still ringing from sitting next to the engines.
Having flown roundtrip from National to La Guardia on Eastern's DC9s every Sunday for two years back in the early 70's I have many fond memories. I flew "Standby." Never once missed a flight. Only one time had to return to La Guardia when the luggage bay opened. And another time waited in the hangar as they prepped the plane. So many airlines come and go: National, TWA, Pan Am, Braniff & Eastern.
Always loved the classic Diesel-9. Sitting in the back next to one of those JT8D engines was my favorite seat. Especially at start-up and takeoff! They just looked cool too. Unlike today's cookie cutter, conventional tail, twins-on-the-wings, boring as the day is long commercial jets. Thanks for the video my friend, good stuff!
Hello I worked this type for Easter Airlines in the 80s and we called the F model. Nice video thanks for the memories. The apu was over the airsteires and to this day I have hearing problems. Saludos
I was a crew chief on the C-9A Nightingales in my first few years in the Air Force. Classic McDonnell Douglas aircraft are simple but built like tanks. Very well made aircraft; hated to see them go.
Henry Thomas I flew C-9s at Scott. Great airplane. It just never broke and was amazingly sturdy even when landing at BIX with a wet runway!
HEDGE1011 I think Everts’s is using a couple for cargo. Prop or Fan, Douglas always gets you home
Dash 30?
You know they’re tanks when individual DC-10s spend nearly 50 years in commercial service
Well-written. Very satisfying history of one of my favorite airliners.
I used to see the Northwest and Delta DC-9s all the time when I lived in Cleveland and worked at Hopkins International Airport back in the day. They were the best looking because of the t-tail and the clean fuselage. Simple yet elegant. I miss these jets.
Great historical on an aircraft that built local, regional and national economies of scale we see today. The DC-9s are a part of my childhood growing up in Louisville near the airport in the 70s and 80s. I miss seeing the Eastern, Trans World, Ozark, Allegheny, USAir, Delta, Republic, Northwest into and out of Louisville. A short time even New York Air. Thanks for the upload.
I read somewhere in 1984 and 1985 that leasing firms could not meet the customers' demand for a cargo freighter version of the DC-9.
I love the DC-9 and MD-80's, used to fly a lot on them with Finnair, SAS, Swissair and Iberia. They were safe, roomy, quiet and dependable, it is sad to see these wonderful old birds being phased out :( They will be missed. American Airlines retired their MD-80's this autumn and Delta is still operating MD-80 and MD-90 & 95 and 717, Hawaiian has also a large fleet of 717's.
Hi all DC9 fans, wow IT was such a cool airplane. I have some 4500 hrs on it as pilot and I just loved it as hell ha ha. Even over the MD80 which I also flew some thousands hours. I flew the -10/-14/-15/-21/-32/-41/-51 in both SAS and British Midlands during the 90s. Before becoming a pilot, I was an apprentice in avionics and learned everything about its systems, I just loved those black boxes. Of it times it was just like the Apollo electromechanical systems. The sound of the PW JT8 engines where awesome! Btw check out the story of The Bunny, Huge Hefner’s/Playboys private jet. A DC9-32 taken off the production line in 69 and being rebuilt over the following year with all thinkable interior and equipment. Such a cool story. Peace&love!
My very first flight back in 1985 was on a DC 9 32 series (OZARK AIRLINES) I had a seat just in front of the engine on the port side, a window seat. What I experienced as far as engine noise, was a loud hum other than that the aircraft had a lot of power on the ground roll and a very impressive steep climb rate!!! I truly miss not seeing these birds in the air anymore and I’m seeing very few MD80s and MD90s these days as well.😔
What a beautiful planes. 😊
I can’t to wait for another next video about McDonnell Douglas MD-80’s. Excellent video Skyships Eng and keep up great work.
The DC-9 family of aircraft are indeed excellent aeroplanes for their purposes with interesting features & aircraft systems. It is also interesting to note that at one stage, the DC-9 family of aircraft were just as popular as the Boeing 737 & Airbus 320 family of planes.
The Boeing 717-200 which is a revised version of Douglas Cooperation's DC-9 is essentially a DC-9-30 on steroids & is to this day the best jet I have ever flown in as a passenger.
The B-717 is quiet & very comfortable to fly in thanks to its rear mounted engines & aerodynamically clear wings. I also love the sound of its powerful BMW/Rolls Royce BR-715 engines!
Just like its predecessors the DC-9, MD-80 & MD-90, the B-717 is a very attractive lovely looking jet with its swept back wings and T-tail design configuration which also makes it very slick in appearance and performance. Its so sad that they do not manufacture these aircraft anymore.
A VERY much needed documentary ....
WHICH Y O U
R. O. O. N. E. D !
Oh man, I'm stoked! These small Douglas airliners are rad.
I cannot unsee that "nose wheel first" landing at 5:31
My grandparents lived very close to the main approach pattern for JFK in New York, and one of my fellow geeky friends and I would sit on the back porch for hours, watching the planes on their final approach and trying to guess the next one by sound before it came into sight. You mentioned the Electra, which always sounded different from any other aircraft -- but for some reason we were also both able to accurately predict 747s and DC-9s (the Boeing had a deep buzzing noise, the older DC-9 had a specific tone to its engines). Sadly, as newer models came out, the DC-9's began to sound like everything else...
That's cool. Instead of Name That Tune, you guys played Name That Plane! :^)
I flew these planes years ago. Thanks for bringing the memories.
@Skyships Eng
Thanks again friend. You're one of my favorite channels on YT!
Looking forward to the videos on the MD-80 and MD-90!
flew many, many dc9 and its variants..the first time was 1966 on Allegheny Airlines
Allegheny. I remember that airline
I remember flying the DC-9 a lot out of Gardermoen when I was a child, it was always fun to have the engines in the back.
A very good documentary on the DC-9. I commend you sir for a great program :)
The DC-9 was a great aircraft and a very smooth ride. It was far more quiet than a 707, especially if you sat more towards the front. It was however very noisy in the back where the engines were. But there is also something about the design of an aircraft with the engines at the rear vs on the wing that made the ride smoother. I loved the DC-9.
Douglass aircraft ess the cadillac, boeing the Ford. I worked in the wood shop in Torrance on the dc9 md80. Interiors dept. Fwd drop ceiling. Began with ship 1520. Best job I ever had. When that job comes back, this economy will truly be thriving.
Awesome history lesson on the Mad Dog!! Thank you very much. 👍✈
This was reminiscent, of a program that was lobbing on short to medium haul flying. When the DC-9 concept came to be, the McDonnell Douglas company concidered a "small family" airplane program that would seat about 100 people for the shorter hops. The Boeing company was developing their own "small" airplane, the 737, at about the same time, when the DC-9 model was being built. It was to be a huge competition between these two great companies, but both went on to become really good selling airplanes. The Douglas company was teetering with a "rear engine", and "T-tail" layout, and have a foldable "rear air stair" like the 727, and Bac-111. The airlines liked the concept, and placed orders. The basic DC-9-15 series, was to have a 99 passenger seating capacity, powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT-8D-7 turbofans. The first airplane was adorned with a striking company paint scheme. It sold many examples, and was a pretty little jet that was loved by pilots. Having been dubbed by some: the little "Hot-Rod", it had superb handling capabilities. The later version DC-9-32 series, which was 15 feet longer, was a very popular airplane among the carriers that ordered it. The capacity was 115 passengers in a two class layout, which was what the airlines liked. It was powered by more powerful P&W JT-8D-15 turbofans. The range was extended just about to 1,300 nautical miles compared to the 920 of the '15 series. The company was than seeing exclusive sales doing well for the DC-9, that a longer version was than concidered. The DC-9-51 was a 15 foot longer airplane than the '32 series, and sat up to 140 passengers respectively. It too sold really well, and was a good addition to higher capacity "short-range" routes. The military had ordered many of the C-9A "Flying Hospital" airplanes, that were a DC-9-32 airframe, that was flown by Air Force pilots for military troops that were injured, to care for them, and flown back to their own bases on this uniquely constructed airplane. The C-9A, was used primarily through Air Force bases around the country. The same airframe '32 series, was than specifically used as a VIP transport, to carry the president's "White House" cabinet members. This one special airplane, had the "presidential" paint scheme applied. The success of the DC-9 later curtailed to newer advanced types, the MD-80 series, and the MD-90 series airplanes, but that was another successful story.
Excellent job. I’ve got well over 10,000 hours in the DC-9 family and they are extremely sturdy and dependable aircraft. While they are not my favorite aircraft I’ve flown (L-1011 followed by A-320 series), they were quiet and reliable (though the window seals always leak during deicing no matter what the vintage). In every case I’ll take them over the cramped and noisy confines of a 737 any day.
Superb work. Superb series.
In 1982 I had bought a standby-ticket from Republic Airlines and travelled around all over the United States onboard DC-9 aircraft. I am from Austria and Austrian Airlines had also many DC9 in service.
Photos from 14:59 to 15:08 are of the crash of Air Canada flight 189, a DC-9-32 taking off from Toronto bound for Winnipeg which blew a tire during takeoff. Pilot aborted the takeoff but was unable to stop the aircraft and over-ran the runway. The aircraft dropped into a ravine - the same ravine that Air France flight 358 fell into quite a few years later. At that point in my career I was working for Transport Canada and happened to be working at the YYZ control tower when the accident occurred. Needless to say it was quite a mess - though it could have been a lot worse. The aircraft did not burn and only 2 out of 107 souls on board were killed.
I once read someone comment "When the last A320 is sent to the desert the airline will still have to send a DC-9 to pick up the crew" and I believe it. Whenever that day comes a Diesel 9 or Mad Dog will still be in service somewhere.
hzzlrp10 I hope for that to happen too, I deadly love these works of art
Cheers to that!!!! Reading that quote made me grin from ear to ear!
Doubtful.
If noise doesn’t ban it from US airspace the cost of maintenance and the finality of fatigue life will.
Even the MD-90 and Boeing 717 are orphaned aircraft that will be in the desert while *_new_*_ A320s are still being made!_
It worked better with the DC-3... which could theoretically fly forever since it has a simple unpressurized aluminum structure and engines that can easily be replaced with newer ones.... but it ceased being relevant to airlines decades ago.
@@Bartonovich52 i think you need to take that statement with a grain of salt lol. Just wishful thinking......
@@Bartonovich52
As mentioned that was a bit of wishful thinking, BUT:
I didn't say anything about the United States. I said "somewhere." Noise regulations don't exist/matter in the third world countries where most of the DC-9's still flying are located anyway.
If you really want to split hairs with the recent introduction of the A320 NEO it is feasible that a DC-9, MD-80, or 717 could be in service somewhere when the last original A320 is sent to the desert.
Sometime back, the Canadian Museum of Aviation and Aerospace in Ottawa acquired a DC-9 from Air Canada. I would often joke that Delta is still flying a museum piece!
First time I saw & heard her, it simply was love at first sight. She absolutely a beauty
Superb historical overview! Bravo!
Love the nose wheel touchdown of the USA jet
Yeah, no flare. Test flight or bad piloting?
The dc9-10 had a much more nose down attitude especially when landing 50 degree flaps! Normal landing was 40 but short/slick/wet we would use 50
@@2flyabove 10 series landing light is what produces this flat landing.
Yeah that made me cringe
Superb aircraft.. thanks for sharing..!!!
I'm from Australia, and I knew a pilot from TAA, (Trans Australian Airlines) and that was his fav aircraft. He said it flew like a sportscar !!!!
Love your content...well put together and professional.
Thank you for sharing history here...
I never knew the DC9 was a narrowbody until I saw it on TV this week! I've heard a lot about the revolutionary 707 of the same sixties era - but the DC9 somehow skipped my notice. Thanks for the info!
Flew on a MD80 or 90 on SAS flight Stockholm to Gothenburg and return in 2001. Nice plane.
Absolutely love this episode dude
Nice video, BUT the MD80, was originally called DC-9 "Super 80". Many operators have painted the "Super 80" titles on the fuselage. Later the Super 80, was renamed MD80.
No
@@Bartonovich52 Yes, do your research....
I remember growing up in the early 70s across from the Decatur, IL airport and always seeing Ozark Airlines DC-9s (and Fokker F-27s) landing and taking off as they made their regional rounds. Great video on a great plane!
You mention Ozark--a fine regional airline. Also, do you remember North Central Airline? They were a fine carrier, and they operated a mix of DC-9s and Convair 580 turboprops.
@@orvilleh.larson7581
My 1st flight was an Ozark F227 turbo prop from Cape Girardeau MO to Chicago.
I was 17 in 78.
Thanks Skyships Eng for your comprehensive summary of the DC9/MD80/MD90/B717. One observation I would like to share. At TWA the had many variances of the aircraft. After the merger with OZARK Airlines even larger as they were the backbone of their fleet. The MD80/MD90 was notorious with issues of weight and balance. When we had a light load we would have to not only move passengers to the forward of the Coach Cabin but give upgrades to First Class to have the weight in the nose of the aircraft.
Yes, I am sure, your English has improved. This is much clearer than the one I watched earlier.
thanks Sky always I like your videos
My favorite planes DC-9😍& DC-3.
Thank you Sky for yet another wonderful presented and thoroughly researched video. I don't know how much time and effort you put into these, but I know quality when I see it. I am always enjoying your work with a good cup of coffee and ample time :) Take care!
One of the great aircrafts I flew often out of Minnesota
My first time flying was on a DC-9 with AirTran. Was already nervous and when that old discolored plane pulled into the gate was even more so. It shook and rattled as they stopped on the way out to the runway. But made it to my destination safely
It had a one of a kind sound in the back from the engines. I miss it.
0:24 i have a diecast model exactly like this DC-9. 😍
The classic Delta colors fits the DC-9 perfectly! I got three Finnair DC-9 diecasts.
Just ordered Spirit’s DC-9 diecast model from Eztoys. I love that earlier livery of blue/white and red trim.
I love all the comments here.
I'm really sick of all the airbus fans running down Boeing, and Douglas on other tubes.
If not for Boeing, Douglas, and Lockheed, there would be know air bs.
I flew these birds many times from Chicago to FL and back many times, as well as DC-10, 727, 737, 757 and L1011's.
Loved them all.
Wish had flown DC 8, 707, and 747's.
Empty wishes now, unfortunately.
Loved the Delta DC 9's operating Shreveport Monroe Atlanta !
loved that 9 in Eastern colors.
Lack of colors you mean, all they ever painted was the blue strip and their name. Saved a lot of fuel without all that paint.
Very nice video! Entertaining and educational! Thank you so much for the upload.
Another great video!! Thanks!
As always, well written and done.
You always do a great job! Great content every single time! Greetings from Brazil!
Can't forget the VICKERS VISCOUNT! The best in turbo-props.
CAPITAL AIRLINES.
And the DC-8. Yes, I preferred to sit by the engines in all 3 of the aircraft.
The POWER ! The SOUND !!!!
Fantastic footage! One of my favorite airplanes!
There is so much more to the story of the DC 9
Cracked me up that around 20 years after Delta retired the DC-9, they started showing up in Delta paint again because of the planes acquired from the NWA merger. Strictly VOR to VOR navigation too, if I had a dollar each time I heard a DC-9 pilot say "unable" to ATC's request to fly direct to a fix somewhere.
DC-9, a beautiful aircraft. Being both European and old, I did some flights in the BAC-111 and the Caravelle. The Caravelle was adored in the European skies, me - I thought it was a rough and slightly scary ride.
Here in Az.I seen a lot of the Hughes airlines DC9s to Vegas every 20 min.
thanks for doing this one!
Love the old footage and stills.