I've read that AA looked at re-engining the MD80s, but subsequently placed the large Airbus and Boeing orders instead. Hopefully American Airlines will regain their strength with a modified structure and optimized cost-structure. What surprises me is the fact that they also retire their 757s..

 

Check this out http://www.airwaysmag.com/att.html?type=view&article_id=145&junk=.pdf

 

It's sad really

Cycle of life....As long as a few good examples survive for museum collections then all good. Can't keep em all flying forever.

The MD80s are old birds... Fuel hogs, very loud.... inefficient in todays economy.

It has only 2 engines thou unlike DC 10 and MD11, by re engining or so called modifying, could it be possible they'll exist for the next couple of years?

It has only 2 engines thou unlike DC 10 and MD11, by re engining or so called modifying, could it be possible they'll exist for the next couple of years?

 

You can't just take off the old engines and put on new ones (well, a new type of engine at least, you could obviously replace the engines with new ones of the same type). You have to replace all the supporting systems as well: fuel pipes, bleed air systems, electronic wiring for the engine controllers, auto-throttle logic, etc, etc.

Also if the new engines are heaver, larger, or have a higher thrust rating you would have to redesign the support structure as well. If you want more efficient engines they're pretty much guaranteed to be larger since you will want a larger fan diameter.

Time to show off the MD80 then! Here's what I would do. :Black Eye:

 

 

Rolling takeoff, yeah!

 

Rolling takeoff, yeah!

 

Yuck... I hate it when the pilots recklessly fly onto the runway and apply T/O thrust without even being lined up...

You should see the doughnuts they draw. :Shocked:

Rolling takeoff, yeah!

Eeeek!!! :wacko:

And they continue as if nothing happened. Exactly my method, 'maybe nobody was watching'. :spiteful:

 

Note the so called angry climbout. :lol:

At the point just after the skid I'd thought they abandoned the TO, then they were just like "Throttle Up!!!! We're goin!" :blink:

I'd say the media first had this running as 'passengers trying to gain control of the front of the plane'. :He He:

 

As you see, engines in the back are way more fun. Sad to see MD80 going.

I'm wondering if the Co-Pilot had control for the takeoff and when he skidded like that the Captain took over (a little angry) and just took it from there.

 

Who knows as only those two know really.

Mmm, I wished I had some report. Could also have been the AT moving the throttles to the TO EPR direction.

 

However, I guess some folks on the frequency had to bite their tongues not to speak 'nice stunt, Delta!' or something. ^_^