SAS Finally Retires the DC9

[Garry Russell]

In -80 form.

Yesterday (26 Oct) saw the final service by SAS. They have operated variants of the DC 9 since the Sixties and have, I think, operated all major types except the MD-95, although perhaps the -10 (14/15) didn't actually enter service with them

[511Flyer]

We flew Gatwick to Bergen via Stavanger in one, many moons ago. Holiday on the Hurtigruten Coastal Express. Fantastic holiday.

Retired them on my wife's birthday. 72 yesterday. Don't tell anybody!

[Garry Russell]

Best regard to her...oh and I keep that to myself

[Tomliner]

Not a great fan myself,but many years ago whist working for BT I was installing a new comms network for BMA(as it was then) and through membership of the PFA(Popular Flying Association) I had the pleasure of knowing Tony Topps who ,I believe,was part of BMA's engineering team.Tony was part of the group who was responsible for assessing the suitability of the DC9's and during a very detailed conducted tour of a DC9 which was undergoing maintenance in their hangar at East Mids he told me that he thought the DC9 was really a most beautiful aircraft.What a passion that man had for that airliner! EricT

[Garry Russell]

Though not bad looking, I'd call it functional in a more pleasing way than many types.

Freddie Laker once pointed out that where the DC 9 has large gaps in the rudder and obvious seams, the One-Eleven was neat fit of moving parts and you could stand at the door of a One-Eleven and admire the smooth construction.

I can't say one way or another accept with the rudder gap, but he certainly felt there was an air of smooth beauty on the BAC that the Douglas didn't have.

[TSR2]

I don't think Douglas ever made a pretty airplane, even the DC10 was the ugly sister to the Tristar

[Garry Russell]

The DC 10 was beyond ugly and well into the embarrassing bracket. Then they developed into the MD-11, basically a DC 10 made even uglier

I like the DC4,6,7 *8

The 8 I find better looking than the 707 but not quite so elegant...which might be hard to understand.

[Tomliner]

I'm with you Garry re the DC4 to DC7.Of course,what about the gorgeous DC3? Re the DC8/707,my preference aethsetically is for the 707. EricT

[Garry Russell]

The DC 3 is unique...it's far better looking that the C-46 and was ground breaking in it's time.

I just feel a Dak's a Dak and is in a class of one with out ever really looking at it as an aethsetic design. I guess it's just because it's so gently pleasing it sort has no need to raise comment.

Such a well balanced design with plenty of character.

[TSR2]

I should have clarified that... they never made a pretty Jet.