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What it was like on the last fight of a Delta 'Mad Dog' jet which were all just sent to an early retirement after 33 years in the sky
Delta Air Lines retired its final eight McDonnell Douglas MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft on Tuesday. (www.businessinsider.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Beautiful plane!
Right after the industry got back in the air, post-9/11, on final, jinking along the Potomac, (practically at treetop level) into DCA - ZOW!!! That MD was FLOWN - right down to the asphalt! And, no complaints from the bleachers.
Depending on the runway in use, that visual approach into DCA is the most fun you can have in an airliner with your clothes on (from a passenger point of view anyway). I enjoyed that many times. As a pilot I wouldn't want to have to deal with all the red tape.
Those pair of JT-8D's really pushed you back in your seat on take-off.
Probably 85% of the business flights I took were on Mad Dogs. Flying out of SJC as often as I could (and that was often) the MDs were the most used aircraft at SJC. Followed by 737's, usually Southwest. Many business travelers disliked the MDs. I rather enjoyed the aircraft. Okay, I flew 1st most of the time. The warm nuts and drink upon boarding was a favorite. Followed by a Hot Fudge Sundae after the meal. And the meals were good too. as time went on the selection narrowed, but the quality did not. The MDs were reliable, and yes... i was troubled by the single-point-of-failure the Jack screw. I will; miss these long lean ladies of the sky's.
It wasn't a great airplane. Jackscrew problems in the tail and a tendency for the fuselage to break open on hard landings. But it is sleek looking
Although it was pilot error I believe but take off with have load, hot and short runway, not good!
But again, thats true with any air machine! Just saying..