Tag Archives: md-80

Robbing MD-80s

When I first visited Madras, the Erickson firefighting fleet was in the process of transitioning from the DC-7 to the MD-80.  That transition is now complete and the DC-7s are now all stored with some of them on the ramp at Madras, gently baking in the sun.  The conversion of the MD-80s has been underway for a while.  A bunch of ex Spanair jets were there last time I visited.  On this visit, there were a few MD-80s out on the ramp that appear to be providing a source of spares for the in service aircraft.

I don’t know whether these jets will eventually get modified but, given how much has been taken from them, I suspect not.  Various control surfaces have been taken and panels removed.  I have no idea what the systems inside are like but I would imagine that those are the most valuable parts.  However, any spares are worth having since the MD-80 fleet worldwide is dwindling and supporting the air tanker fleet for a long life is going to need a good stockpile of parts.  The dry Madras atmosphere makes for a good storage environment so the planes should be in good condition for a while yet.

Everts MD-80 Freighter

Everts has based its operations on older airframes.  They have recently added some MD-80s to their fleet which, I guess, is indicative of the fact that the MD-80 is rapidly disappearing from service.  It is now available for freighter conversion.  I shot one on the ramp at BFI quite a while back in nice light but one was due in to Paine Field just before the end of the day.  There was always the question about whether the light would play ball or not but I wasn’t going to pass up the chance.

The Mad Dogs Aren’t Gone Quite Yet

The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 is a jet that has had its time and is now rapidly disappearing from the skies of the US.  However, they aren’t all gone.  American Airlines has been a big user but the arrival of 737s and A319s means they are heading to the desert in large numbers.  I had assumed that meant they were a rarity but DFW is clearly still seeing a lot of them.  I was taking a shot of any of them that showed up since I might not get many more chances.  I have, of course, shot them a lot of the years but this was a nice final encounter.  Strange how pleased you are to see something that used to be a bit of a yawn.

Executive MD-80

AU0E5403.jpgAs airliners reach the end of their natural lifespan, you suddenly become aware of them disappearing. However, some have a second life converted for corporate charter use. One type I haven’t seen a lot of in private use is the McDonnell Douglas MD-80. However, one was in Boeing Field on a job recently and I was pleased to see it in use. It was parked up at the FBO when I arrived and so I assumed I would not see it move. However, I was wrong.

AU0E5491.jpgThey taxied out and, as is the case for the larger jets, had to cross over to our side and come alongside where I was. A good close up view of the jet before it headed down to the threshold for departure. I don’t know how far it was going but it did not seem to be too heavily loaded as it got airborne quite quickly and climbed away. I don’t know how many of these jets will find a new role after retirement from airline service but hopefully there will be a few more.