It was 1983. Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” was on the prime of the charts, the Baltimore Orioles gained the World Sequence, and, most significantly: McDonnell Douglas debuted its new MD-80 in the US with its first American buyer…American Airways.
The MD-80 would develop into the brand new short-to-mid-range workhorse for the rising airline. It had distinctive options from the DC-9 which return to the beginnings of the trendy period in aviation. It was comfy and distinctive within the face of extra trendy jetliners and their boring 3-3 seating configurations.
And now it’s 2019. Outdated City Street one thing or different is on the prime of the charts, no person actually cares concerning the World Sequence anymore, and tomorrow would be the final day that American Airways flies the MD-80.
I imply, simply consider how a lot the world has modified since American began flying the MD-80: the web, world-shaping occasions like 9/11, and the 1996 mega blockbuster The Rock (there are in all probability extra/higher examples than The Rock but it surely’s my favourite film of all time go away me alone). All the change that’s occurred on this planet and the MD-80 has simply saved on flying, it’s bare-metal livery now an aged beacon in a sea of company airline liveries.
A really particular tribute video to the MD-80
I wished to place collectively a video explaining what made this previous airliner so particular to so many individuals. American Airways was sort sufficient to provide me entry to one in every of their final MD-80s out at DFW just a few weeks in the past, and I’m proud to launch this video to you at this time:
I hope you loved it and possibly even realized a factor or two!
One of the best pictures from my MD-80 assortment
Like I mentioned within the video, I’m going to overlook the MD-80 due to how distinctive and/or peculiar it’s, particularly in comparison with at this time’s jets. Photographically, there’s actually not a foul angle of the jet! I’ve beloved all of the random moments I’ve had with this particular chicken over time with my digital camera in tow.
From attending to spend a while in an MD-80 which had simply completed upkeep throughout my tour of American’s in a single day operations…
…to the numerous occasions I’ve photographed the MD-80 whereas planespotting, it’s only a particular plane to me.
Once in a while I’m fortunate sufficient to have some assets obtainable to constitution a helicopter and go flying across the DFW space. One in every of my favourite stops is DFW Airport. Simply yesterday was one in every of my favourite flights of all-time as a result of I spotted it was in all probability the final time I’d see DFW so stuffed with MD-80s.
Simply because the flight was winding down, we noticed an MD-80 being pushed again from the gate, an ideal metaphor for its retirement tomorrow. The remainder of the American fleet stood on the prepared whereas the MD-80 was taking its go away after an extended profession.
I satisfied the pilot to remain within the air just a bit bit longer (okay in reality I used to be chartering the heli so I may actually do no matter I wished, was simply making an attempt to maintain prices down) and we adopted the MD-80 because it made its technique to runway 17R at DFW, lined up, and commenced its takeoff roll. My pilot put me within the good spot to seize the takeoff, it was one of many coolest experiences of my photographic life!
The Remaining Goodbye
Tomorrow is the day. American’s ultimate income (which means “paid-passenger carrying”) flight is AA80 from DFW-ORD. I’ve loads of associates making their technique to Dallas at this time in anticipation of the flight tomorrow…however I gained’t be becoming a member of them on that flight.
American is internet hosting a retirement celebration for workers, particular company, and media on the boneyard at Roswell, New Mexico, tomorrow afternoon. After the AA80 flight leaves, there might be two final MD-80 flights out to Roswell…and I’ll be on the final passenger-carrying flight! I sit up for protecting the occasion and taking plenty of footage and video so we will watch collectively how American says goodbye to a member of the household.
I’ll miss the MD-80. Like I mentioned within the video, I’ll miss it far more as a result of it represents a good portion of my flying life and now that might be prior to now. Very like my previous center college being demolished years in the past, watching one thing transfer from our current to our previous could be bittersweet. As an alternative of being too unhappy, although, I’ll select to be blissful and grateful for all of the recollections aboard this lovely jet and the recollections from the particular locations to which it introduced me. Might it at all times have clear skies and clean air.
What’s your favourite reminiscence flying the MD-80? Are you going to overlook it? Inform me within the feedback beneath!