Delta DC-9-31 - Full Flight - (N8928E) MSN - DTW

This was my very last flight (Aug 23, 2010) on a NWA painted plane. The multi-part series can be viewed here.
• Video

[@nothingbutjets941]

N8928E was scrapped in Sanford, Florida in 2010. At the time - surely one of the oldest DC-9s - delivered in July 1967.

[@christopherescott6787]

Love this. NO winglets,no wing flex, and lots of noise. AHHH vintage aviation!!!!

[@LoveJT8D]

Christopher Escott You got it! Those older wings, stubby and little visible flex. Always a cool look.

[@KnightOnBaldMountain]

I agree and the winglets are an eyesore.

[@imagaybanana2004]

Same! The late 50s to the early 80s is my favorite era of aviation. Modern aircraft just don’t do it for me. Winglets and wing flex just look awful.

[@johnniec2861]

yeah those back rows by the engines were loud,, but at least we still got in flight meals back then :)

[@jonahair747]

I can never get tired from them using full reverse on that good ole JT8D! God I miss the DC-9's...

[@LoveJT8D]

Jonah R Same and miss those days between about 6 years ago trying to catch as many DC9 rides as possible.

[@jonahair747]

I know, man.. Those were the days.

[@DH111d]

Same here. Never got to fly on any pre-retirement from Delta fleet, unfortunately. Will recall memories of flying them on NWA, pre-Delta years.

[@GaryNorton_C]

No pushback tug needed, power back from the gate.

[@KnightOnBaldMountain]

@@LoveJT8D I loved flying on the DC-9. It’s a beautiful plane. Lots of memories.

[@LoveJT8D]

Awesome! I always like hearing the different stories a plane has encountered in it's life. A passenger plane in service for 43 years really has quite the history.

[@davidtimms9615]

Great video and tribute to this majestic bird. The DC-9s and B727s were always my favorites to fly on. I loved sitting in the back to hear that awesome P&W JT8D music. The original DC-9 was reliable and durable. The shot of the cockpit is amazing - no automation or computers with tons of analog instruments. The pilots FLEW these jets and had command of the aircraft. It's no wonder the DC-9s remained in service for 40+ years. They were sleek and beautiful. They don't build them like this anymore.

[@LoveJT8D]

david timms You definitely got it right. The pilots were actually one with the airplane and really understood all the flight characteristics and like you said, actually had command of the plane. Third window seat from the back was always the best. Thanks for reviving this video. Been quite a while since I’ve seen activity on it.

[@davidtimms9615]

Thanks for the reply. Another thing to add about the cockpit is it's striking similarity to the Apollo command module. Douglas was a major NASA contractor during the Apollo lunar program, and the DC9 was designed and produced during this period. You talk about top notch engineering, this was certainly it.

[@LoveJT8D]

david timms That’s really cool to know! Makes me love the DC-9 even more.

[@captbrakeset7630]

Here's one guy's armchair analysis on the automation issue: Airbus reasoned that they could successfully market a wide-body ETOPS airframe to move 250+ passengers from A to B using (eventually) a two-person flight crew IF they could build a jet that would help fly itself. Wide-bodies with two-person flight crews became the rage, and the only way it worked was by automating navigation and system monitoring/diagnostics (software). It trickled down to narrow-bodies as well (Airbus narrow body family, 757s, MD 90s) in the name of efficiency/cost control.Tragically, it goes bad when crews fight the software for control of the aircraft OR something interferes with information flowing to the software, it misbehaves and outright lies OR some combination of conditions/control inputs creates a scenario where the software reacts in ways nobody ever suspected could happen.

[@LoveJT8D]

Amen to that! haha. There was not even a single squeak during this takeoff. I can't believe how well these planes were made.

[@DH111d]

DC-9s seemed to hold up well, vs. some Boeing jets and most or all Airbus planes. RIP, to all old and retired legacy DC-9s, RIP.

[@Satoshi9801]

When I was an ignorant young teen on KZbin, I dissed Delta for keeping around what I thought was an old, probably prone to falling apart plane. Since then, I have educated myself on the DC-9's longevity, and even wish I had the experience of flying on one. Oh, and I miss Northwest Airlines.

[@LoveJT8D]

Yeah, when you really understand the craftsmanship of that aircraft, it probably had a sold 10 years of operation ahead of it, at the time of this video.

[@longbeach7623]

This is proof Delta should keep the 717s til 2040.

[@tomb4568]

DC-9 my all time favorite transport category aircraft! A pilots plane, a real plane!

[@LoveJT8D]

Exactly. Built really solid and requiring the true skill of the pilots.

[@DH111d]

Yup, a great old (and pretty solid, sturdy) plane. Better than some Boeings and most definitely better than rattling Airbus planes.

[@davem4143]

You made a great historic vid here!!! Thank you for doing this.

[@LoveJT8D]

Dave M Thanks Dave! Glad you liked the video.

[@DH111d]

Dittos, a great and historic video and with great video + audio, of the legacy DC-9. Thanks again for your videos. RIP, old DC-9s, RIP.

[@Miker3797]

Before I retired I was on hundreds of trouble free flights on this and MD-80 aircraft. Both Delta and American. Was mostly towards the front where it's so quiet.

[@LoveJT8D]

That’s awesome! Glad you had many flights hours on the DC-9 family. Before I started drooling over the engine seat that’s one thing I remember from my childhood…how quiet it was up front. Couldn’t even tell the engines spooled up. That was true classiness.

[@dvamateur]

I far much preferred the red/gray Northwest livery.

[@LoveJT8D]

I definitely agree. As much as I liked the red tail, the red/gray livery will always have my childhood memories attached to it.

[@DH111d]

Absolutely agree. I flew on a few of their (NW/NWA) DC-9's. Sadly, NWA got swallowed up by Delta. Bring it back (NWA) somehow.

[@danwiggins5580]

Wonderful video; amazing camera control and love the variety of engine sounds captured. I worked in engineering for 20+ years on the competitor CFM56, but I never tire of hearing wonderful sounds and harmonics of the JT8D and all the derivatives. I think the-7, -9 and -17s are my favorites, but I love the re-fanned -200 series also. Always loved the B727 application, as well as the Caravelle and the Mercure.

[@herbergreen]

N8928E when belonging to Eastern Air Lines did a lot of duty on the Air-Shuttle routes from Washington National Airport-New York LaGuardia-Boston in the late 1970s.

[@nothingbutjets941]

Sure did... N8928E was my first DC-9 trip ever - Eastern Air Shuttle - DCA to LGA. Second time in 1979 - DCA-LGA again. Then - my last DC-9 trip in 2004 on NWA.

[@aeroair4724]

I did research on the registration, and when this aircraft was retired, it was FORTY THREE YEARS OLD

[@LoveJT8D]

Indeed it was! And probably had a solid 10 years of life left in it.

[@mikelembo6657]

One of my favorite airlines and planes in the same video! Both are dearly missed!

[@DH111d]

Same here. Missed out flying on last DC-9s flying prior to them being retired. Miss the former NW/NWA, pretty much on time and didn't lose nor destroy my luggage! Can't say the same for most of the remaining airlines. Great audio of those old engines.

[@craigjackson2428]

It is amazing growing up, the DC9-30, 737-200, 727-200 (100) brought the jet age to small and medium sized communities all across America 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. Workhorses that encouraged this once avgeek kid. Thank God, I have fond memories enjoying these technically advanced aircraft of the era as part of my childhood that built the US economy. I miss all the airlines that flew these majestic birds when flying was fun and crews loved working for PSA, Allegheny, Piedmont, Ozark, Trans World, Eastern, North Central, Southern, Hughes Air West, Texas International, Republic, Delta, Braniff International, etc, etc, etc and allowed a kid to dream. I have a cherished pic of my little one sitting in the cockpit of a Northwest DC9-30. Thanks for sharing and rekindling fond memories.😃 🇺🇸

[@LoveJT8D]

Absolutely! This era of aircraft is what sparked my interest as well. The many different styles, sounds, smells etc...Definitely aircraft that were built as workhorses. Can hardly hear newer aircraft pulling up to the gate anymore.

[@kirbyvanduzer6565]

I remember when I was a kid every time a 727 took off it put off a roar that shook the whole airport old JT8D engines were truly awesome the only thing I didn’t like about the dc9 was during cruise by the engine at least with nwa it put off a loud pounding droning noise it was so loud I couldn’t even hear my headphones and I got a major headache from it but now I miss the dc9 for some reason I used to hate it I didn’t mind it being loud during takeoff but cruising I preferred it quiet so I can hear my music but I do miss the classic aircraft’s they were special and awesome I would give anything to fly on another 727 heck I wouldn’t mind giving the dc9 another chance I miss the old days

[@mkm230]

JT8D thrust reduction sounds are the best. Thanks for the great video! I'll miss flying the -9. Get your -88 flights in while you can!

[@LoveJT8D]

+mkm230 Glad you liked the vid! Thanks for watching.

[@DH111d]

Yup, old JT8D s were great, albeit very fuel thirsty. Miss flying on the old DC-9s. Will try to get on MD-88s sometime soon, i hope.

[@SOUTHENDAVIATION]

such lovely aircraft, good to see another fellow enthusiast of entire DC 9 family. I'm flying to SXM next year and hope 4o get myself on a few DC 9s as I know PAWA Dominicana have 2 of them and a dew MD 80s also. Im flying on 2 meridiana MD 80s in September so look forward to that! I'm on a DC 9 spam run at the moment so I hope to see morw of your videos! Also greetings from Southend!

[@LoveJT8D]

SOUTHEND AVIATION Awesome! Enjoy your time at SXM. I've still never been yet. Hope you catch a few of those DC-9s

[@DH111d]

Great video and audio and great history here, including seeing former NWA planes in their former color configuration. RIP, old DC-9 jets and RIP, former NW / NWA (Northwest Airlines), RIP. Not sure if the latter can ever be brought back, post-merger with Delta.

[@LoveJT8D]

DH111d These DC-9’s were really great aircraft. Maybe Delta could bring back a Northwest airlines retro livery 🙂

[@DH111d]

@@LoveJT8D Yeah, wouldn't that be nice, especially for we former NW/NWA flyers. "Some People Just Know How To Fly".

[@fortythreenorth2518]

The DC-9 was a real workhorse. I got to sit in the jump-seat once when I was 14 for take off and landing.

[@longbeach7623]

I flew this same aircraft in 2008. ORD-MSP-MCI. (It did both legs). Chose the inconvenient routing just to experience the classic Diesel 9 series 30. And sure glad I did.

[@MMBaus]

Excellent video, really enjoyable! I love DC-9's, especially the -30 and -40, and MD-80's. The best jets ever.

[@LoveJT8D]

Thanks, I love that people are still checking this video out. The DC-9 family are definitely one of my favorite too along with the 727 and 737-200.

[@DH111d]

@@LoveJT8D Yep, an old but well-built jet all in all, although very fuel hungry n thirsty. RIP, all old NW 9's and NWA, RIP.

[@maverick967]

Great video!! I remember my last -30 flight, DTW-MCI, I sure am going to miss the 9s when Delta retires the -50s!

[@daleshand622]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing

[@LoveJT8D]

No problem! Glad you enjoyed the video and nice to see some other DC-9 lovers out there.

[@merc340sr]

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G sound!

[@Davhid1]

Awesome Video.

[@barrysoetoro7835]

A wonderful aircraft.

[@isaacsgamingandtechnologyc130]

My dad was once on to Los Angeles in a aero california dc9 and this was his experience except it was on the other side

[@dmamdad71]

The DC-9 is one of my favorite planes of all time. When Northwest merged with Delta most of the DC-9s were sold or scrapped. I think they should have gotten rid of the Airbuses and kept the DC-9s.

[@DH111d]

Yup, I agree. The Airbuses seemed less sturdy or well-built, more rattly on take-off + landing. The 9's seemed more rugged and sturdy, albeit old.

[@captbrakeset7630]

One piece of cockpit sarcasm from the era was that when NWA retires its last Airbus, that flight crew will deadhead home on a DC-9.

[@captbrakeset7630]

Northwest never purchased a new-from-the-factory DC-9. When Douglas was shopping the DC-9 to airlines, NWA remained unhappy with their DC-8s and was also saddled with a smallish fleet of Electras. The latter could do just about everything the -9 could do except vibrate less. NWA's DC-9s came second-hand, through mergers. Then, just when Delta had recently phased out their -9 fleet, it's yesterday all over again when DL becomes a DC-9 operator via the NWA merger. I believe the -51s were the only -9s from NWA to ever wear DL colors. One caveat to my opening statement: NWA might have taken some new MD-80 airframes via their merger activities - seems like I remember seeing a handful in NWA colors.

[@firecapt325]

Man I miss this sound.

[@ck717ld]

Awesome! I would kill to fly on one of these!

[@DH111d]

Same here. NOT possible in the USA and Canada, as I think all DC-9s in North America are retired from commercial service. Miss the old NW/NWA DC-9s that I previously flew on, when that airline existed, pre-Delta merger. Great audio/video of legacy DC-9s.

[@OHAREAVIATION]

they just don't build like they used ..... oh .... wait.

[@Allegheny580]

How did you manage to keep the camera so still while shooting? Did you even breathe? LOL! Great video. My first 3 flights ever on a jet were all Delta DC-9-30's, in early 1991.

[@LoveJT8D]

Allegheny580 Very little haha. If I can, I try to brace my elbow on the seat armrest or between the wall/armrest. I give the camera a pretty tight grip and pretty much try not to move. Glad you got to experience the NWA DC-9-30's also.

[@Bothomas-vm5hz]

i miss northwest was a great airline always flew with them they had some of the oldest fleet of dc9s was the reliable workhorse of America and the surrounding world.

[@drummerboy2215]

The fuel pump sounded like you hear on a 737-300/400/500.

[@LoveJT8D]

That’s cool. What time stamp do you hear the fuel pump? I haven’t really identified a fuel pump sound on a DC-9 or other jet for that matter. I’ve only recognized the igniters.

[@drummerboy2215]

Sounded at 12:33

[@johnniec2861]

i hated that Northwest paint job, i always loved the silver plane with the Red Tail with Northwest Orient , on the plane :) yeah im old :P

[@aakashkarajgikar9384]

If this flight didn't take that much to reach the desired destination, then what was the highest altitude of this flight?

[@LoveJT8D]

Thanks for watching. I’d say we hit about 33,000 feet for cruise. The flight in total was about 1hr 20 minutes.

[@trf117]

Erj an Airbus... is the new....

[@dldc9]

That FA’s announcement was horrible!

[@MDE128]

That’s a pretty old plane. Cool video though.

[@LoveJT8D]

Absolutely! Back when I filmed this I think it was already 43-ish years old.

[@ramil90]

Shout out to Soloviev D-30KU :)

[@trf117]

I just wust wish they would keep flying them....

[@mehmetokay7073]

43 year old DC-9.

[@LoveJT8D]

Yep! Even back then it was remarkable that aircraft was still flying a that age. Those planes were built like tanks.

[@bobbypaluga4346]

Delta certainly would have been further ahead dumping the old NW DC-9-31 and -50 I hated those aircraft. The 737-800 burns 800 gallons a hour, the DC-80, 88 90 over 1100 gallons per hour they’re loud and handle turbulence like mixmaster

[@LoveJT8D]

Bobby Paluga Smokey, loud, inefficient jets are just like an old muscle car. Real flying 😉

[@jcrowther5525]

The older airliners handled turbulence much better than newer planes. The 727 was like butter

[@bobbypaluga4346]

@@jcrowther5525 amen to that, I loved to fly in the 27’s, maybe the last airliner that could pin you to the back of your seat during takeoff. If the PIC wished he could takeoff on a dime, while the 737’s needed the curvature of the earth to become airborne. The 757 could also takeoff on shorter strips the 737 would have no chance to use. Yes, Virginia you heard that right, the much bigger jet used less runway.

[@renatokelemen17]

It is safer than was DC 10?

[@LoveJT8D]

Renato Kelemen I would say the DC-9 had a safer track record than the DC-10.

[@DH111d]

DC-10 jumbo jet ("cattle-cars") seem to have had a more checkered history + less safe track record, vs. workhorse DC-9s, as i recall.

[@midwestguy42]

I can't believe it! Why do people insist on trashing out one of the most beautiful jet planes many of us love and could find a use for elsewhere? What a waste! Retirement is one thing, destroying a valuable machine in my opinion is just *plane* crap!

[@DH111d]

I agree wholeheartedly, your pun intended too. Good, re-serviceable planes should be kept, be re-built and fixed & then re-purposed again, imo.

[@DH111d]

Not sure if re-built, more fuel-efficient engines are an option or possibility, knowing that those old engines were very fuel hungry, thirsty, etc.

[@billr2220]

DC-9 very reliable aircraft. The series 31, 32 now retired. But Delta still fly's the Boeing 717. Better than the 737 MAX piece of crap.

[@DH111d]

Old DC-9s were great old workhorses, as a whole. I miss flying on them, mostly NW/NWA planes at the time. Audio is same as i recall in past flights on NW DC-9s. As to 737 MAX, I concur at this time, they are CRAP. Boeing really blew it and flubbed up! Should have made a new 757 replacement plane, not the troubled and flawed 737 MAX series. Get with it Boeing dunces, make a real new generation 757 plane! Sigh. New generation B 757s are needed to replace the current aging ones. in meantime, RIP, old DC-9s, RIP.

[@LoveJT8D]

Bill Reinwart Jr The Douglas Jets we’re indeed built well and built to last. Definitely miss these birds when I see all these new jets turning into quiet, efficient Priuses.

[@Howrider65]

I wish I had that engine in my house to drown out my wife..

[@LoveJT8D]

Wish I had one as a pet.

[@stevenkalur2561]

Those engines....it makes me misty. Flying today is white bread toast.....quiet engines, everything a boring two engine underwing

[@codyrichey6070]

Did this airline company go out the flying business