Ozark Airlines Mid-seventies DC-9-30 Aircraft

[Ecosse_821 24]

Hi all.  My home airline was Ozark (CMI).  Most commonly, we would get a DC-9-30 or -40 aircraft on most flights.
 

I am trying to find out if these aircraft were equipped with an INS type navigation system, or were they strictly VOR/NDB radio navigation?  

[ubersu 78]

Given that they were short haul aircraft on short haul routes, I expect the INS was not installed. Maintenance was expensive and the time to align was excessive for the usage these aircraft got.

 

DJ

[Ecosse_821 24]

They did have a few routes that were a little longer, like CMI-LGA, CMI-SAN, CMI-IAD.   But you are correct, they did have some fairly short routes.  

 

Heck, given that I think they purchased most of their aircraft used from other airlines, they may have had some with, some without INS.   I'd love to know for sure.

[ubersu 78]

I well remember their F-27s and DC-9s at DCA and, later, IAD.  There is a fair amount of data on line regarding their routes, advertising, and aircraft, but not the equipment of the aircraft. I do know that most of the -9s were ex-TWA so that might be another area to look into.  You might get in touch with these folks https://airandspacemuseum.org/news/?tag=ozark-airlines and see if they can help.

 

DJ