Cockpit Chronicles: Why I've fallen for the MD-80

See the Cockpit Chronicles blog post here: www.gadling.com...
The much maligned MD-80 has captured a spot in my heart. Here's why I've fallen in love with this 'old school' workhorse.

[@youtert]

I want this guy to do a series where he shows us the weird quirks and cool features of different airliners. He could be the Doug DeMuro of aviation.

[@generalrodcocker1018]

you can find it on airplaintrader.com/yokesteer

[@callumdonington2227]

"This is...

[@Lerxstification]

This is why an MD-80 is worth $8 Million dollars!!!

[@zauru192]

@@generalrodcocker1018 you're a fucking genius

[@AddyRyan66]

plus give it a Kent score

[@tallishyeti2756]

I was a student pilot the first time I watched this video. 2500 hours later and I’m currently getting checked out on the MD-88 for USA Jet. This video was such an inspiration, thank you for making it.

[@fly4fun]

That is so cool! Nicely done!

[@kushkaberries8249]

still working for them?

[@tallishyeti2756]

@@kushkaberries8249 I am

[@Airforceproud95]

I love the MD-80 now.

[@nathroxer3134]

Hello airforceproud :D

[@SpicySauseSaig]

7 Y E A R S A G O

[@nathroxer3134]

@@SpicySauseSaig ye

[@kjcomputer]

@@SpicySauseSaig y e s

[@flaps4038]

I didn’t really enjoy the md-80 until I saw this video

[@mompilot1]

I have 21 years and 14,000 hours on the 80! I'm flying the 787 now, but miss the 80 every day. It was literally a part of me. Kurt, thanks for honoring the Mad Dog, Stupid 80, Long Beach Sewer Pipe. She proved to be a solid, reliable aircraft, despite all the nicknames (including the K-Mart Special).

[@3storiesUp]

The mind boggles ....

[@saml6084]

People tend to lie a lot about being a pilot when it comes to aviation...

[@Wrootplonk]

I'm thinking he flew the MD80 for 14 000 hours over 21 years, not that he's got 14000 hours on the jet at age 21.

[@sludge4125]

Fred, are you that fkn stupid? He flew the trash can for 21 years. He’s not 21 years old.

[@thestrangeman069]

Fred Kosgey He said he has 21 years experience flying the piece of garbage. Not that he’s 21. Reading and comprehension is key.

[@alexandermartincausey7333]

I have an interesting story on how this plane captured my heart. This was the first plane I flew on. Well, I was 3 so it could've been a dc9 and I would have never known the difference. Anyways, I was flying with my aunt to PA and had assumed that my parents were getting on after us. But they were going to NM. I quickly realized they weren't there, and I was DEVASTATED. I was that kid on the plane that everyone hates flying with. Then the captain came out. I was awe struck. He told me he had something that would cheer me up. Then he picked me up, took me to the cockpit and put me in his lap. (this was pre-911, 1996 or 97.) He put my hand on the throttles and pushed them forward. The plane started to move. He and the copilot were running the checklists while we taxied. I distinctly remember looking up and seeing the panel with all the different switches. We stopped and another plane turned left and passed by us, like a massive road. We got to the runway, this seemingly endless (to a 3 year old) tan strip and he told me "It's time to go back to your seat and buckle up". Then we took off. That experience is one of the only ones I still remember from those early years, and it resonates with me hugely to this day.

[@michaels.9894]

Cool memory, thanks for sharing!

[@abathens]

Great story bro!

[@MaddogMD82]

An experience like this can literally shape one's life. I'm really glad you got to experience something so cool!

[@iammrvain]

Great story

[@afridgetoofar1818]

Not sure I'm buying this one.

[@ronlucock3702]

I like how at 8:40 when the lights go out, both flight crew just instinctively reach for the overhead switches. Autonomous professionalism.

[@jude_the_apostle]

Some may find it boring but I found really awesome. Thanks for posting.

[@MrKenny777]

The Jude I love the guy's enthusiasm for the MD80. He plainly loves the aircraft.

[@sedpach1136]

kenny edwards áaa

[@KVonnegut]

I was just appreciating our society for producing people like this. Interested and knowledgeable in their craft, professional, great communicator. I'm being a giant weird nerd right now but I don't care - this is good stuff.

[@braydenmcneal6709]

Anyone here after AA retired the MD-80 or “Super 80”?

[@tristang6466]

yeah

[@AlphaGametauri]

I was gonna comment this. XD I'll miss the MD80, the plane i never got to fly.

[@thecomedypilot5894]

@@AlphaGametauri You still have a chance to fly Delta's

[@AlphaGametauri]

@@thecomedypilot5894 For how long?

[@thecomedypilot5894]

@@AlphaGametauri This October, they're retiring about 50 of them. But I'm not sure the exact date, but it is sometime in 2020. I hear that Delta's MD-90's still have a little ways to go.

[@upstateplanes6702]

Fun fact: The compass on the MD-80 actually has the letters printed on it normally, not in reverse. When you look at the compass directly in the little window on the wall behind the first officer, you are actually looking into yet another mirror that is showing the reflection of the compass, which is facing aft towards the tail. So the mirror on the instrument panel is a reflection of a reflection!

[@achon1771]

Wow didn't realize that till now, that really is a fun fact, thanks!

[@gerardmoran9560]

@@achon1771 I never flew it but I think the DC-8 had the same arrangement.

[@patrickv418]

I have been a Pilot for over 37 years and am still flying for a major carrier. Its refreshing to see a normal Pilot for once just chatting about things we all can relate too instead of some aircraft geek trying to amaze us all. Great Job ...thanks P.S. I flew the DC-9 for 12 years and loved it so I can relate !

[@ImRoman_]

It's really good to someone loving his job so much! I can really see the enthusiasm in his eyes, like a kid talking about his favorite toy or a sport, awesome!

[@curbowman]

The MD-80 is very special for me too. I graduated as an aircraft technician 25 years ago in Venezuela, and the school had the entire set of service, overhaul, and parts manuals of this plane. I managed to read them all!!

[@DJea-ni2yk]

By golly Capn', you have an A&P mechanic here and I can do nothing but AGREE WITH YOU on this beautiful aircraft!!! My personal favorite is how easy it is to change tires and brakes!!! Good job sir, press on with pride...

[@fly4fun]

Thanks D!

[@as-guardianangel9360]

Farewell Super 80! You did so much in your 36 years of service. You will be missed by everyone. Thanks for your service👍🏼 1983-2019

[@BollocksUtwat]

That electro-mechanical speed brake handle is by far the coolest thing I've ever seen in a cockpit.

[@jimmbbo]

When the handle is pulled straight back, it activates the four of the six wing spoiler panels as air brakes, up to 35 degrees of deflection. With the airplane on the ground, if you pull the handle all the way back, then pull it UP, it activates all six spoiler panels as ground spoilers with 60 degrees deflection.

[@itspenguin7187]

7:58 that speedbrake switch is satisfying

[@Michael_in_Vt]

I'd let that pilot fly me anywhere. Very knowledgable, and I've been on tons of MD-80's. BTW, I'd love to sit in one of those cockpits!

[@fly4fun]

Hey, thanks Mike!

[@Michael_in_Vt]

***** A few years ago I was total horrified of flying and planes, now I just love them and love flying!

[@tbrasi5887]

Now it's all 6 panel or computer screens, simplicity makes troubleshooting for a good pilot no problem... unless it's like the Air Alaska problem or something. God rest their souls.

[@Pontiacman1964]

lol I flew on them many times when they were built by the independent company; McDonnell Douglas, and were called the 'DC-9.'

[@tbrasi5887]

Me too...back when I was young, I flew on Peidmont DC-9's, I'm here Talkin about it...so evidently they're ok. Air Alaska was maintenance issues anyways

[@PeaceLoveandMolotovs]

My dad flew the MD-80 for years and always spoke so highly of it over the 737. Thank you for your in-depth video!

[@rogerhuber3133]

Worked on and Inspected the DC-9/MD-80 A/C and always loved them. I also worked on the Boeings and never liked them except the 777. After 40 years of aviation I'd still prefer flying or working the 80's.

[@johnshackleton323]

I thoroughly, thoroughly loved this video. Thank you so much.

[@T34-E]

This guy had a talent that not many have, showing excitement, passion and knowledge all in a video. And now thanks to this guy i'm gonna go download the MD-80 for MSFS lmao

[@Breachbuilders]

Thanks Mr. Kent for this I formative video and review of the MD80. The MD80 is especially interesting to me because I worked on just about everyone that was built in Long Beach CA. If only this video were available back in 1988. At that time, this aircraft was the most quiet, efficient, and economical of all its competitors. We built 100's of them and I was privileged to work on the flight ramp delivery team. Anyway, I really, really appreciate your review and comments.

[@fly4fun]

Bert Breach-Build Wow, thanks Bert!

[@HEDGE1011]

Bert Breach-Build Bert: You built some great planes! (Over 10,000 hours in the plane here, and still a fan.) Safe Flights!

[@tomtalker2000]

I'm glad this pilot finally sees my point. The MD-80 and many of it's variants front nose DOES indeed look like the space shuttle.

[@jeffrobey3831]

I was an FE on a Boeing 727 for six years. I'll always prefer the old school way of flying as opposed to all the automation in today's aircraft. Great video!, Thank you Kent for sharing that with us. It will be a sad day when the last of the MD-80's are pulled from the line.

[@fly4fun]

Jeff Robey Jeff, having spent 4 1/2 years at the panel of the 727, I know what you went through! I was so excited to finally get a window seat on the MD-80.

[@andrewjoseph1785]

It's a living breathing machine! I love it, so cozy and full of life.

[@bushmouse]

Thanks for the behind the scenes cockpit tour. I'm going to miss flying in the Super 80s--one if my favorites. Every time I fly in one I wonder if it will be my last.

[@xcofcd]

This thing might be a dinosaur but at least there's no faulty software nose dive mode on this baby, that's for sure...

[@cpt.kentflywright8227]

jack screw

[@gufoscuro]

@@cpt.kentflywright8227 indeed bud. only a faulty jack screw in the tail

[@tobiasfloki1527]

moinmoin *coughs 737 max 8 coughs*

[@paco4716]

"been couple of situations on this "baby" too.But,that was a long time ago.

[@johnbillings4947]

*cough cough* - jack screw

[@hifiandrew]

One of the best videos ever for aviation geeks. Love to see more like this. KZbin at its finest.

[@ralphtheisen6174]

This is a very good video made by a pilot who truly loves the airframe. It's refreshing to hear the enthusiasm in his voice as he explains the many components of the MD-80. This is a good video.

[@matthewneleigh567]

As a passenger I've always loved the MD-80. Usually a smooth ride, and pretty quiet as long as you're not sitting too far aft of row 20.

[@jimmbbo]

Thanks for the post!! After 15 years flying the DC9/MD80, I definitely have a biased fondness for the airplane. While the 737 may have advantages of newer engines, longer range and upgraded electronics, MD80 crews become attached to the airplane, even though they may appreciate newer mounts to which they are assigned. The "baby DC9s" were fun to fly, more like sports cars, and moving into the MD80 was akin to driving a truck in comparison. That said, the airplane is solid, and has no bad habits, but requires planning and airmanship to fly it properly. The normal flying workload in the MD80 is high, as the systems are 1950s and '60s vintage, and definitely NOT as automated as modern jets, and mastery comes with 50 or so hours of flying the airplane. Because they must manage all the systems when flying the airplane, most MD80 pilots have a sense of accomplishment when a flight is completed. Departure flight profiles are fairly standardized, but the final phases of an arrival may not be, and require airmanship to configure the airplane in a timely fashion and complete the arrival and approach smoothly. I second the Captain's observation about being QUIET... Fatigue from noise is not an issue. Timing on crosswind landings is a challenge, as anything more than a 7 degree bank can cause a dragging wingtip, requiring good timing to straighten the airplane out on the runway without excessive sideways drift. On takeoff, new pilots need to be cautioned to hold the nose pitch attitude to 10 degrees until the mains leave the ground, since a tail strike will occur at around 11.5 degrees. Since the airplane was designed to be as tough as a bridge, when airlines park Airbuses and Regional Jets, the pilots will likely get a ride home in the MD80...

[@kurtbjorn]

I agree - I've got maybe 8,000 hours in the MD-80. After that, all Boeing up to the 777. Yes the MD is quirky as hell. But it was honest. I flew it as a VOR-only machine; half the fleet had GPS, half not, and we'd always pray for a GPS bird for a 4 hour flight, only to find the GPS bird was on the DFW-OKC run (1/2 hour) and we were stuck VOR to VOR, a lot of work. Some Captains would bring a handheld GPS along, and tell center something like "We have RNAV tendencies" (a hint that if you give us a BIG direct routing, we'd not screw up), and he'd give us a heading to Seattle to start, and the handheld GPS would calculate a nice direct using mag heading changes. Legality - he can give us a heading, but not clear us direct to a distant fix. BUT: The windows leaked, creating squeals that would drive you insane in one hour. If you get in an MD-80 that had tissues stuffed into window seals, you had a squeaker. He failed to mention the HORRIBLE, AWFUL lack of cool air from its puny APU. Very hot on the ground in summer. The cockpit was a smorgasbord of electromechanical actuators, and the organ chord that the trim created was annoying. And the interior wasn't passenger-pleasing, it was very 1960's. No TV's. One last thing - I was flying relief pilot (FB) to a new Captain on the 777, just off the MD-80. Decided to mess with him. At one thousand feet on TO, I called out "HALF RATE!?" and watched him flail for 3 seconds. Probably not really smart in a critical phase, but it was very funny. I have fond memories, but Kent, get into a 777/787, NOT a 757, and you'll find Boeing did it perfectly. Super low work load.

[@williamscott3444]

Worked the MD80 many years on the ramp w/ Continental. The plane was a pain in the ass to load bags & cargo but was a dream to fly on..very quiet. Was lucky many times to get a first class seat when Non- Reving..Loved it. Great plane👍

[@lvwpy]

I worked as a maintenance technician, specialized on electrical systems in the MD-81/83/87 for almost ten years, I now work on ERJ-190. I can't explain how much I miss the 80 sometimes, it is such a wonderfully built machine, and it flies like a charm. Thank you very much for this video, it brings back so many good memories!

[@ericofbuffalo7473]

Kent nice job! Besides the 727 & F100, I spent 10yrs. as an MD80 FO & 15yrs. as a captain on it. I still miss flying the 80 till this day! I enjoyed flying it so much I spent most of my career at AA on it. When the MD80 left I did as well, but those great flying memories will last a life time! Thanks for the trip down memory lane Kent. Nice Job!

[@HEDGE1011]

I liked it too, Eric. I flew the DC-9 before it and spent about 15 years on it in both seats and as an instructor and Line Check guy too. Had to fly the 737 for a while and loathed it; I got off it and went back to the MD as soon as I could. There were some things I disliked about the MD, but none more than deicing in it with those leaking windows. Worst seals ever.

[@steveoflyz]

I just flew on a MD-83 in Argentina and I remembered this video when you said that the landing lights cause extra drag. It is very noticeable if you are paying attention. It was a very "old school" but awesome plane to fly on!

[@hoilst]

"McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Chief Designers: R. Goldberg, H. Robinson." I'm in love with this plane after this vid. That window mechanism. Different switches are genius. That mirrored compass is the definition of "If it's stupid and it works, it ain't stupid". And I want that Speed Brake switch - no electrical "Bing!" will ever be as good as a solid mechanical "Click".

[@bobgreene2892]

Douglas practically founded the American airliner industry, and long before WW2 was even a distant prospect. The DC3 was a generational improvement over the Ford Trimotor, and the Douglas airliner series (DC4-DC9) wrote American commercial aviation history. Boeing is a late arrival, and first became a wartime industry, building acres of four-engine bombers. Only later did Boeing literally bet the company on its first major commercial success, the 707-- narrowly edging past the British effort to recover development of its industry-leading (but disastrous) Comet jet airliner.

[@kchididdy]

the mirrors provided a reversed view of the compass, which makes the compass appear to "turn in the same direction" as the plane. if you don't have external visual references to orient yourself, you have to rely on instruments alone and often times people have to pause and think a bit about what the aircraft is doing when they watch the compass turn.

[@jamesmagnum]

I truly admire the passion in describing this plane's unique features, many thanks.

[@Barnacules]

I have no idea why but this might be my new favorite channel. :P

[@shaneybrainy13]

Play any flightsims Barnacules?

[@billigerfusel]

Because you're a fat fuck.

[@juanneedstorepent9379]

LOL

[@alexdev5809]

vhat en hell

[@windshearahead7012]

billigerfusel LMAO 😂😂🤣😂😂😂

[@jeanpierregenit3255]

Thank you so much for doing this.. One of my fav old school birds..! Enjoyed every second of it.. I would've wanted to fly it so bad.. Sadly im doomed to die as an airbus pilot..!

[@damian-795]

The external cockpit look of this plane always reminded me a bit of the space shuttle. It looks like it belongs in space :-) Great vid - Thanks Captain !

[@gerardmoran9560]

It really does! I believe Rockwell was the principal manufacturer of the shuttle but I wonder if some Douglas DNA found its way in.

[@kbufaviator6104]

Really love the MD-80. Sad to see it replaced by more modern aircraft.

[@michaelo1929]

KBUF Aviator Me too :(

[@airwipe1639]

KBUF Aviator Nah, I love it too but everything has an expiration date. If it were that good it wouldn’t be retiring.

[@xjay1234]

Being a pilot is a blessed career :)

[@AndrewTech]

the the ground power unit plug fell out

[@xjay1234]

andrew haskell I don't believe it!

[@AndrewTech]

why not

[@xjay1234]

andrew haskell That is kind of a racist thing to say.

[@crownvicmango7606]

+ xjay1234 he said that the power thing fell of that's why the airplane shut off its not racist

[@godslove7708]

When I flew as a passenger on the MD-80 to me it was the loudest plane when it came to landing. But It is cool seeing and knowing how cool and old school it really is.

[@phantomworks23]

Awesome video. So informative and serves a great reminder how awesome the older flight decks are. Long live the MD80! :)

[@maltimoto]

Bought the Rotate MD-80 for X-Plane and absolutely loving it. A very unique aircraft. I love aircraft that are half glass cockpit and half analog.

[@herzglass]

I have watched so many aviation videos the past weeks, but this one truely is a gem. Never had a look at the MD-80 but this little video already made it one of my possible future favorites to have a deeper look into. Thanks a lot for sharing this!

[@AmishHitman73.Archive]

I knew absolutly nothing before you spoke and now I know what you told me, thanks great video!

[@CraigArndt]

Thank you so much for posting this video, I found it so fun to watch. I was always a fan of the 727 but now that they are pretty much extinct the MD80 has caught my attention. Maybe its the engines, maybe its all the landing lights at night, maybe its the graceful takeoffs. Either way, I've enjoyed my many flights on the MD80, nice to see the pilots think the same.

[@xtrnext]

I still see B727's as freighters at the airport here.

[@hogey74]

I agree - the 727 was my favourite but the MD80 is pretty close.

[@dontclickmyprofilepicture4143]

Craig Arndt I'm a fan of the md-11 and D.C.-10

[@alderusdmc]

The thing I love about the MD-80: the airstairs in the back and (optionally) at the front door.

[@MendTheWorld]

I recall the first time I flew on an MD-80 how great, and different it felt. It made flying fun from the passenger cabin. I stopped to talk with the crew on the way out to ask their impressions. I must admit, they seemed a bit less excited about it than I was. Maybe not "one giant leap for mankind" over the DC-9, but I always liked them.

[@gregmitchell4619]

That was really cool. Definitely like the old school controls. Its still a bird when systems fail.

[@demartin5366]

Great video, great explanation of the oddities of the MD-80. I flew many AA MD-80s across the country connecting to/from DFW and ORD when I my travel agency used AA SABRE system. I flew to DFW many times for training. I have always been a fan of the DC-9 family, taking my first flight in August, 1968 on an Eastern Airlines DC-9-14 Whisperjet from STL to my hometown of EVV. The JT8D engines have a awesome sound. I always loved sitting in the rear listening to the startup. I always enjoyed the steep MD-80 climb outs. The bird could really soar!! Its always sad to see an aircraft go into aviation history. Thanks again for posting this great commercial airliner video.

[@garudain77]

Nice video! Thank you! After 27 years in DC-9s and B-717s, this look at the (basically same) cockpit is a wonderful trip down memory lane. Every switch an old friend!

[@-DC-]

Watched this so many times absolutely fantastic such a wonderful aircraft .

[@johnmpifer]

As an aircraft mechanic working on Embraer ERJs, I really enjoyed this! Thanks for posting!

[@jektonoporkins5025]

American is finally putting them out to pasture in September but I jumpseated on one a couple of months ago. Glad I got to got to jumpseat on one before they went away. I was completely blown away by how quiet the flight deck was.

[@saucerbob]

I was one of the maintenance guys (from Canada) who maintained the MD-80 simulator at Long Beach. I never flew the real aircraft, but I could loop the simulator(and a few other tricks) ! Happy (and sometimes challenging) days.

[@aronchas]

Awesome video captain. Very well explained and the video footage is fantastic. I love this analog old school cockpits, My uncle (RIP) flew many years for Mexicana airlines time ago and I just fell in love when he gave me a guided tour of the 727 simulator. Subscribed!cheers from Mexico city

[@taketimeout2share]

The people who were lucky enough to build these planes, the workers, engineers, cleaners and managers, all who were involved at whatever level, must feel so chuffed to see how appreciated their efforts were. I think this is the best video of an aircraft, its systems and personality by a pilot extant. Like everyone else I so wish this guy had a channel full of similar excellent uploads. 11 out of 10. Beautifully filmed, written and presented. Should be the next President. I'd vote for him.

[@fly4fun]

Oh, man. I’m choked up. Thanks for taking the time to say that. That said, no other job would be as fulfilling for me than to keep flying. I enjoy it every day (and on my days off flying for fun). Stay tuned for an Airbus quirks video coming at some point. I’m still ‘researching’ that one.

[@taketimeout2share]

@@fly4fun Absolutely. Does one still fly an Airbus or just steer and change gear? Haha. Love to hear your thoughts on a VC10. I know its unlikely but its like a giant MD 80 (I guess) so would be fast, smooth and quiet. Thank you. Subbed.

[@RWRoude]

Love this video! I feel it's gruelling unique to have a pilot tell his feelings about a plane in such great detail. It was highly informative and inspiring for a person who loves all things that fly like me! After 19 years of doing my job, I really hope to have the opportunity to leave behind 18 wheels that roll for two wings that fly as a career. Thanks so much for a wonderful video such as this!!! :-)

[@yes_head]

This vid made me remember being a kid growing up in SoCal during the late 70s, and seeing lots of ads for PSA featuring their smiling MD-80s. I know they flew lots of other types, but they are always associated with that plane in my mind the way Southwest is the "737 airline." My memory of being a passenger in them was that I was more aware of the speed of travel than other types, and that it wasn't always the smoothest ride. You felt as if you were in a bit of a hot rod.

[@rickfeith6372]

I love the flight deck on that plane, it looks EXTREMELY well designed, and all the mechanical stuff looks fun to play with. A true pilot's ride. You really look like you earn your paycheck vs the quite boring and generic look of a glass cockpit. THIS is what aviation is all about.

[@nathanhumbert9999]

"All the mechanical stuff looks fun to play with"

[@sydnick6696]

Awesome description Thank-you !! I flew the DC-9 until 2001 and this video brought back a lot of memories. As I progressed in my flying career, I continued to recognize DC-9 innovations in other aircraft. The fuel system and priority electrics were the same in the CRJ and the A320. It remains my favourite aircraft of all time. Like an old friend. BTW, we always flipped those mirrors up during boarding so we could watch the pretty girls walk by.

[@bg147]

My mom worked for Ozark and we would fly on the DC-9s. So, there will always be a place in my heart for it and its derivative, the MD-80. I recall sitting in the rear of the plane which was my favorite place and I could hear the two motors crossing frequencies. My physics teacher in HS was talking about resonance one day in class and I mentioned my experience in the DC-9 which he discussed with the class. I can't think of a better looking airliner than the DC-9 in the Ozark Airlines colors.

[@markh4906]

bg147 , I loved Ozark Airlines!. Flew them a lot while in the military

[@demartin5366]

Loved Ozark Airlines!! They flew the DC-9-14 and DC-9-30 aircraft as well as the FH-227B turboprops. I flew OZ from DFW to STL and from SDF to IND. I always enjoyed observing them fly into/out of STL Lambert Field. Those were the days!!

[@charlesbecker3470]

One thing I hate about it is, if you get the seat right next to the engine, it looks like you have a window, but when you try to open it, it doesn't open, there's an engine outside, no need for a window.

[@patrickyoung2117]

I hope pilots know how much we appreciate them not only learning about the hundreds and hundreds of devices, but their MASTERY of these devices when something goes wrong or acts odd. Thank you for the pilot's time to show us this stuff.

[@chartphred1]

Thank you so much for your video and excellent explanation of the quirks the MD80 has. So wish a pilot could walk through a flight in one the way you do. Hope to see more from you soon. You have a job I've dreamed of since my teenage years.

[@fly4fun]

Thanks David. Hope to do another one of these soon. At least for the 777.

[@umeshkrishnau.750]

Are you on a triple now,....?!!! Wow...

[@PatrickQuiwa]

+Kent Wien Sir what is the engine's EGT Max limit when starting so that you would know if it needs to immediately shut down the engine. Thank you safe flights ahead sir!!

[@BC-wo4ub]

Love this plane I am 40 years old and I can still remember when I first flew this plane. I still fly to MOT on Allegiant and still get to fly on one. I loved the video too, I can relate to the lights going on and causing drag I could always feel that when on approach to land. I would look out the window just to see that happen, even loved to go to LGB and go to the employee store and get stuff like the MD80 Towel which I gave to my flight instructor lol. Thanks for all the hidden likes about the plane, I love this plane!!

[@Brendonrhall006]

it's cool posting videos like this...really affirms how some pilots are really loving and engaged with flying and makes passengers who may see videos like this really feel trusting with pilots...i've actually flown in that aircraft a few times and it's always been a pretty good experience...it does seem to feel more smooth flying than a boeing...boeing is pretty smooth also but there's something about that one...hard to explain since my knowledge of aircraft is limited since i stopped using flight simulators years and years ago...good video pilot

[@plinn2112]

I lived in Milwaukee for a time and flew Midwest Airlines right up until their demise. This aircraft was the bedrock of the airline, nonstops from coast to coast. I have a soft spot for this plane.

[@OHAREAVIATION]

This aircraft has a spot in my heart as well but for a different reason: hours upon hours, years spent watching these land at ORD when I was growing up.

[@alexphillips4663]

I lived in the northwest suburbs growing up, right in the approach path to ORD. I was far enough away from the airport that the noise wasn't terrible like it was at a relative's house, with jets on short final flying right over the house. I loved visiting and watching the planes flying over in full flap and gear down, but I think it would have gotten old quickly. I liked living where I did... got to see lots of planes, but not painfully loud. When I heard the low growl of a heavy outside, I'd run out and have a look to see what it was... saw lots of DC-10s and 747s that way. At that time, the 727 was the most common plane, and my first ten or so flights (some of which I was too young to remember) were all on the 727, still my favorite airliner of all time. Saw a bunch of DC-8-63s too, which always seemed like they were too long to be able to fly, but they did fly! There was such an interesting variety of airliners back then. Now it's nearly all twinjets, and with the MD-80s being phased out, it's nearly all underwing twins in varying sizes. I like them all, but they don't have the charisma of a 727 or MD-80 or DC-10 or L-1011, IMO. The last MD-80 flight I took was into an Arizona monsoon thunderstorm about a dozen years ago... it ended up being a go-around as the visibility suddenly went to zero at minimums, and at the same time, the wind direction shifted about 180 degrees, so the plane only had to turn and approach from the opposite side rather than having to rejoin the traffic pattern from the original direction. I was sitting just in front of the engine on the starboard side, and it buzzed at TOGA like I'd never seen before in a maddog. I'm glad I got to experience it!

[@alexp3752]

I bought 6 new MD-82s for our airline from Douglas/Boeing years ago. As a resident representative, I had the opportunity to learn how these fine aircraft were built from the ground up and flew them away! Fantastic!

[@matthiashaenni]

Great video! Good old MD-80 is a technical miracle bag. Very fascinating!

[@TheKingDrew]

I have old photos in this cockpit and I see everything so clearly now thank you

[@daniela120177]

Old jets are amazing!!

[@AuthorX303]

I was smiling about how much passion and interest you have for the MD-80, I hope thst one day when I become a pilot that I am as passionate as you are!

[@manifestgtr]

it'll be sad to see this go...much like the 727 and dc-9's, which are largely retired and gone from this country, this airplane is beginning to age a bit and they certainly won't be around forever...I guess we'll have the 717's for quite a few years but still...nothing beats the dc-9s and md-80s with the older jt8d engines...the first time I ever flew was on a tiny dc-9...probably a -10 and I'll never forget how cool those engines sounded

[@ThePanamic855]

Lets not forget the MD90s

[@jonahair747]

manifestgtr what you just said, is what I’ve been saying for years to myself. It was fun back then, the atmosphere and the feel of it all was different unlike today.. today is embarrassing compared to what it used to be. They used to Make them with character! Now a days, they make aircraft just to make them. It’s all about money and competition between company’s now and it’s very sad to see aviation and the airlines come to this. The MD-80’s and DC-9’s were my absolute favorite! They flew the hell out of them! Steep takeoff’s, JT8D’s, landing with loud reverse thrust! It was fun and badass! Now, it’s scarebus and Embraer and CRJ’s.. it’s all garbage now. I’m switched airlines a couple years ago and I am flying in as many MD-80’s as I can sitting in the back getting footage to post it on here. Before that, I was with American and did the same thing I’m doing with the airline I’m with now and flying as many MD-80’s as I can before they go and able to share my experience/flight with you guys!

[@paulgooding803]

More videos like this. Fabulous. (I got my commercial in 1965, so ... this is kind of right up my alley. Plain talk from real aviators .. love it).

[@richardcarr7702]

I flew this type airplane for many years, and ya know what I enjoyed most? I loved flying an approach at night in rain. Do you see (at 4:10) how the landing lights extend, one on each wingtip? I loved to leave them retracted until time to extend them, then turn them on at once, rather than extend the bulbs first and then turn them on. This technique turns on the bulbs and the extension motors at the same time, with the result that at first the bright beams are shining straight down, and then they smoothly rise to straight ahead, as the motors raise them. Very cool, space age-y, and romantic, as the raindrops whiz through them. Side note I'm sure Captain Wien knows: Few feelings are more rewarding than watching your passengers deplane safely after you brought them through a wet, challenging, low-visibility approach. (That's off the subject but... Hey!)

[@davidwebb3134]

Absolutely love the looks of this plane. Its external nose and windows looks like the space shuttle and the interior instrument panels resemble so much like the Apollo command module.with all those cramped, confusing levers and switches. Really old school. Amazing piece of engineering marvel. Love this plane.

[@nssd70m2]

MD80's are awesome. I love sound of those JT8D's at takeoff. Coolest sound!

[@donngg]

Yeahh... not like pussy planes now, no SMOKE, no noise I miss this plane

[@sammyselectric]

Thank you very much Captain for posting this informative video, I became a fan immediately. Older technology but still very safe without a lot of bells and whistles. The personal kicker for me is the use of DC-3 knobs, which reminded me of the memories of bygone years, throttling up Twin Wasps and taking in the shakes of Hamilton Hydromatic props changing pitch. Thanks for the memories.

[@XBradTC]

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief also deliberately used different shaped knobs and switches throughout the cockpit. That way, a pilot could keep his eyes focused outside the cockpit, and still have confidence he was manipulating the correct control.

[@Vulcancruiser]

Brings back the memories seeing the cockpit again......spent many hours riding around the airport in one........firing up the APU in the morning.....good machine.....

[@mikeyriley8959]

They didn't forget about the compass. I bet the mag deviation was too high to mount it in the usual place.

[@9HighFlyer9]

Mikey Riley I would imagine that's the reason also. why it couldn't be mounted at the top of the center windshield I don't understand. The other a/c manufacturers seem to have figured out how to do it. My question is, are the lag and lead errors reversed?

[@justforever96]

I don't think he meant they _literally_ forgot it. It was a figure of speech, or common expression, a way of saying it seems almost like an afterthought to the end user. MCD probably thought that a brilliant piece of innovative packaging, too.

[@RMRockstar]

I'd wager you are correct. Pretty clever solution!

[@nw5052001]

was my thought.

[@williamwaldrup9353]

if you have to use the mag compass you are having a really bad day!

[@SpeakerPolice]

Excellent video, I enjoyed it very much! I've always loved the MD-80 series. I'm taking my very first flight on a Mad Dog in three days on the 17th for my birthday, from Orlando to Miami and back. (Delta MD-88). Got seat 34E, full view of the engine. I can't wait!

[@alexeibradley-malcolm2462]

I hope you had a good time and happy birthday!!!

[@honey5bucket]

The "overhead compass with a mirror" is the same scheme used in Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. (See Jimmy Stewart's movie.)

[@1435682]

Nearly every pilot I have ever encountered in my life has always been more on the order of either a very serious kind of personality or you have the kind of people who are (because of their insecurities) are a bit on the arrogant side or show-offs but I find it very refreshing that (this gentleman pilot) in this video is a very down the earth (no pun intended) easy-going, nice guy who is the kind of a person you'd want to call your friend. I used to fly airplanes when I was a younger man and could "afford" it and while I took flying very seriously and was a safe pilot I never became arrogant about it and always appreciated that I had the opportunity to be a pilot and was very humble about it. To me, humility goes a long, long way in life. Great video and great human being in this man.

[@johnsoncuiChina]

they put the compass in the back may be because of reducing the EMI interference on the compass caused by all the meters and controls on the panel. Nowadays they have better isolation barriers.

[@michaelwojcik6577]

Thanks for being "The Voice" of the revamped CR Smith Museum, MD80 flight deck display. The end of this year will mark the end of it’s era. So many neat things about it I didn’t know. Flap settings can be “fine tuned”, the first “electronic” checklist, and compass turns are hard enough, doing them with a mirror? I think my head would explode. Top it off with the secondary mechanical pin that indicates the nose gear is down like a H800XP! I still love aviation!

[@warlywarluts9526]

You're a very engaging speaker - great video!

[@hdrenginedevelopment7507]

There's still a bunch flying with Delta, and they're actually pretty cool old planes. They have the best engine sound on takeoff roll.

[@rugbynimbus]

Don't forget the ridiculously large engines for its size. Back in the days of Ozark Airlines (spelled backwards is KRAZO!) which operated nothing but DC-9s and MD-80s, there was a joke that the pilots were frustrated former military fighter jockeys who loved how overpowered both jets were. And if you were on an Ozark flight, you probably experienced one of their F-15-esque tail-drop takeoffs.

[@minastronasse]

Great aircraft for sure. Would have loved to see an equivalent video showing in detail the cockpit of an L1011.

[@wildzach]

So sad that as i am nearing commercial, the few remaining MD-80's and steam gauged cockpits in general are being retired. MD-80 by far has the best cockpit in my opinion of any aircraft in service today.

[@AZWildk4t]

I miss McDonnell Douglas. My uncle was a test pilot for M-D until his passing in 1979. My first flight ever was a test flight from Long Beach to Yuma so they could test the landing computer system. Had the opportunity to fly the bird. Great memories.

[@spikedesignworks]

I don't fly, but found this absolutely fascinating!

[@gobysky]

Thanks for the post, I spent over 15 thousand hours flying that airplane. Brings back lots of memories. The only comment I’d make is that no, it doesn’t slow down as well as a turbo- prop aircraft, since I’ve flown many hours in those too. Sure that airplane had its quirks, but one of the safest workhorses built. Miss flying it.

[@fly4fun]

Yeah, I may have exaggerated that just a bit! But it does a much better job slowing than the more modern airliners, for sure.

[@phynessea247]

Love the MadDog will miss it when it's retired.

[@skyfoxf1113]

Sir, thank you so much for sharing your love affair with the MD-80. In 1979 I was hired off the street by then called McDonnell-Douglas Corporation as a structure mechanic. I was literally thrown on the aircraft as a rookie assembly mechanic fresh out of the company school. The first plane I touched was ship 909 Swiss-Air. That was the flight test aircraft. During flight Test in Arizona the FAA landed too hard on the runway and broke the tail off the aircraft just in front of the rear engines. There is a you-tube video about the accident on the internet. All the controls were connected by control cables so you could still fly airplane if you lost power. The aircraft was based on simple engineering design concepts, otherwise known as KISS. "keep it simple stupid". Consequently, the aircraft was very reliable and relatively low maintenance. It has a very high turn around time. It also had a carry through wing spar which made the wing very strong and higher survivability for passengers sitting behind the wing. The plane was a work horse and a money maker. During thanksgiving 2018 I had the opportunity to fly a Delta MD-87 which I helped build in 1987. It's probably sitting the desert outside Palmdale because Delta has phase those aircraft out of service. Out the old ,in with the new. Fond memories ,very fond memories indeed!!

[@al3rich885]

Great video ! Thank you very much for this video .... I've been flying the B717 in my past pilotlife that is quite similar and I am still in love with him ... I'd like to fly the mad dog one day ...

[@bryantriffe2387]

Thanks for the tour and comment on the operation of the plane. Great video.

[@carlosmckay6233]

i still love MD-80 they awsome planes

[@coolkirk1701]

I’ve flown on MD80s most of my life, it’s super awesome to see what it’s like from the other side of the door.