{"id":37109,"date":"2025-01-19T21:57:25","date_gmt":"2025-01-19T21:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/airline\/my-farewell-to-the-maad-dog\/"},"modified":"2025-01-19T21:57:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-19T21:57:25","slug":"my-farewell-to-the-maad-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=37109","title":{"rendered":"My Farewell to the MAAd Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\nSuper80Sendoff \u2013 My Final Flights on the American MD-80<\/span><\/h3>\n
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\nSeptember 4th, 2019 saw the final flights of American Airlines once ubiquitous MD-80.\u00a0 Launched in 1981 by McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach as the DC-9-80 series, the company marketed it as the \u201cSuper 80 \u2013 the plane for the 1980s\u201d.\u00a0 When American Airlines picked up its initial 25 aircraft, they proudly utilized that \u201cSuper 80\u201d moniker.\u00a0
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By way of the TWA merger in 2001, American\u2019s MD-80 fleet eventually peaked to 360 aircraft.\u00a0 Impressively by 2004, 49% of American\u2019s fleet were comprised of MD-80s!\u00a0 As MD-80s became older, newer aircraft such as the A320 family and 737-800, which were quieter and more fuel efficient, joined the fleet.\u00a0 As more newer aircraft came into service, more MD-80s were removed from service and moved to the desert for storage.\u00a0 Some aircraft went into service with other airlines while most were scrapped.\u00a0 The cockpit section of MD-82 N559AA was saved in 2018 and is now on permanent display at the airline\u2019s C.R. Smith Museum<\/a> in Fort Worth, Texas near DFW airport.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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I have decided to make Labor Day weekend 2019 as my personal Super 80 Sendoff weekend.\u00a0 In order to get my last fill on the American MD-80, I scheduled myself on three flights:\u00a0 Dallas-Ft Worth (DFW) to St. Louis (STL) and back, culminating on the final MD-80 flight from DFW to Chicago-O\u2019Hare (ORD).\u00a0 That final flight was appropriated numbered flight AA 80.\u00a0 Looking at my log, I had flown on 27 MD-80 flights on American, the first in 1988 from San Jose (SJC) to ORD.\u00a0 Prior to this weekend, my last flight was in 2015, from DFW to SJC.\u00a0 In between those years, I flew on the MD-80 up and down the West Coast to places like Seattle, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, in addition to the expected hub flights.\u00a0 Some other interesting routes included SJC to Vancouver and SJC to Denver (back during American SJC hub days).\u00a0<\/p>\n

By the end of August 2019, only 26 MD-80s remained with American.\u00a0 Though while passing through the airline\u2019s DFW hub, one would never know it.\u00a0 In its final days, MD-80 fleet were kept on short flights to and from DFW.\u00a0 While over Terminals A and C on the Skylink train, it seemed every MD-80, with their distinctive classic buffed aluminum livery, can be seen mingling with their contemporaries.\u00a0 I was in awe seeing the large number of MD-80s at DFW.\u00a0 I photographed every single one that I saw.\u00a0 It was funny because years prior, American MD-80s were everywhere and absolutely no one cared.\u00a0 With almost 400 airplanes, would you?<\/p>\n

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Day 1<\/b><\/p>\n

Flight AA 2622
Dallas-Ft Worth (DFW) to St. Louis (STL)
McDonnell Douglas MD-82
Registration (msn\/ln):\u00a0 N501AA (49738\/1648)
Aircraft Delivered: Oct, 1989
Flight Time:\u00a0 1:17<\/p>\n

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On my first Super 80 Sendoff flight, I got lucky and flew on Ship 501.\u00a0 Out of the 26 MD-80s left flying, this aircraft was the only one remaining MD-82 originally delivered to American Airlines.\u00a0 All other aircraft in the fleet were MD-83s, originally delivered to TWA.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Stepping on board, I smiled broadly when I was hit that that pungent yet familiar \u201cclassic airplane\u201d smell \u2013 a mix of fabric, jet fuel, and stale coffee.\u00a0 My smile widened when I saw the dark blue seats:\u00a0 square and triangular fabric with leather adjustable headrest.\u00a0 I was instantly reminded of my formable years as a new business traveler when American transition to these \u201cMore Room Throughout Coach\u201d seats in 2000.\u00a0 Back then, I got so excited when I boarded an American flight with these seats, because they were so comfortable and so novel with the adjustable headrests!<\/p>\n

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On this flight, I treated myself to First Class.\u00a0 I wanted to experience one last time the quietness of the MadDog upfront.\u00a0 I can tell these seats had accumulated many miles:\u00a0 the seat recline lever was polished to a smooth shine and the seat cushions had \u201cI have been here too long\u201d back and buttock indentations in the fabric.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Despite all that, I was comfortable.\u00a0 Flight attendant kept the drink well open from beginning to end.\u00a0 Best of all, all I heard was the hissing of the air conditioners.\u00a0 There were no sound from the engines.\u00a0 Did they start?\u00a0 Are we taxiing out to the runway on our own power?\u00a0 I would never know.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

My seat mate, an American frequent elite level flyer, had no idea that the MD-80 was retiring within days.\u00a0 I told him about the significance of our aircraft, Ship 501.\u00a0 He took some photos to remind him of his last flight on the MD-80.<\/p>\n

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With the flight scheduled just shy of two hours (actual flying time was just over 1 hour), even in First Class, I had low expectations of service.\u00a0 I was pleasantly surprised.\u00a0 The flight attendant kept on returning the snack basket, filled with an excellent variety of packaged snacks.\u00a0 She encouraged us, \u201cwhy not take one of each?\u201d.\u00a0 The bar was open the entire flight and she offered continual drink service.\u00a0 Even upon descend, she asked: \u201canything else to drink?\u201d\u00a0 I was quite impressed of the service even on a short flight!<\/p>\n

After the arrival, I visited the Flight Deck and chatted with the pilots.\u00a0 I pointed out to them that message board traffic on the internet had reported Ship 501 would fly the final MD-80 flight on September 4th.\u00a0 Both pilots smiled and said they would not bet on it.\u00a0 Apparently, since the MD-80s were on their last days, aircraft swaps and substitutions were common, as I would find out on my next flight.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Day 2<\/b><\/p>\n

Flight AA 385
St. Louis (STL) to Dallas-Ft Worth (DFW)
McDonnell Douglas MD-83
Registration (msn\/ln):\u00a0 N9681B (53631\/2284)
Aircraft Delivered: Nov, 1999 to TWA
Flight Time:\u00a0 1:13<\/p>\n

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I chose to fly in and out of St. Louis because American had flights throughout the day between DFW and STL using the MD-80.\u00a0 I wanted to have a backup in case something happened.\u00a0 The night before departure, I noticed the inbound flight from DFW that would turn back in the morning as my flight was a 737-800.\u00a0 American\u2019s flight status page still showed my flight in the morning as a MD-80, but it was obvious from the seat map that indeed, the aircraft type was going to be a 737.<\/p>\n

Execute Plan B.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want to exercise this option since it would cost extra.\u00a0 But I had to do it since the MD-80 was the whole reason why I was doing this trip.\u00a0 It ended up costing me $75 to make a same day flight change with a confirm seat.\u00a0 A window seat was available on a later flight, but it was not to my preference.\u00a0 I had a perfect engine view seat (29F) reserved on my original flight and now I had to sit elsewhere.\u00a0 \u00a0I broke out the credit card out of my wallet and paid for the flight change, all the while grumbling.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Taking a later flight gave me another opportunity to experience the delicious Blueberry Waffles at the Waffle House next to my hotel.\u00a0 At certain parts of the country, Waffle House is just an ordinary (and simple) American Diner.\u00a0 This one had excellent and friendly service with their delicious inexpensive food.\u00a0 Despite its mundaneness, with me from California, Waffle House was still a fun novelty.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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I arrived at STL in time to photograph my inbound flight taxiing up to the gate.\u00a0 Aircraft N9681B was one of the final deliveries made to TWA in 1999.\u00a0 One hour before departure, I received a seat alert from expertflyer, which I had set up the previous evening.\u00a0 One of the engine view seats had opened up.\u00a0 It was 29F.\u00a0 What luck!\u00a0 With my hands shaking, I quickly went into the American app and switched my seat.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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I found a perfectly crystal clear window at my row.\u00a0 Hallelujah!\u00a0 It seemed someone wanted to make this happen for me.\u00a0 I was beaming ear-to-ear.\u00a0 I mounted my camera on the window and let it roll.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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There was a stark contrast in volume between the front and the back of the MD-80 (indeed, this applies to all DC-9 series aircraft).\u00a0 There was no doubt the Pratt & Whitney JT8D powers this aircraft: that unmistakable high pitch shrill performing a symphony that only an avgeek would love!\u00a0<\/p>\n

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It was a treat for the senses when seated in this row: the view of the engine and the fan hub over your shoulder while listening to that distinctive whine.\u00a0 I have flown the MD-80 in the very last row, that window seat with the engine blocking the view.\u00a0 While seated there, my voice crackled while my ears went deaf.\u00a0 A fine demonstration of acoustics properties that probably was unintended by the aircraft designers at Douglas.\u00a0 No, on this day, there was none of that discomfort in Row 29.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Rows 31-32 AB in the back of the plane with engine blocking view out the window<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Here is my video of that flight<\/a>.\u00a0 We held for about five minutes prior to taking the runway at STL in order to queue up with the flow into DFW.\u00a0 Other than that boring part edited out, you will see the full pushback, taxi out, takeoff, climb out, approach, landing, and taxi in.\u00a0 The cruise is in time lapse.\u00a0 It is without music for that full adulterated avgeek JT8D experience!\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Despite me wearing my \u201cSuper 80\u201d shirt, no one said or acknowledged anything to me.\u00a0 With two days to retirement, I thought that was rather strange.\u00a0 That\u2019s until after we landed.\u00a0 The forward flight attendant announced the pending retirement of the MD-80.\u00a0 After we parked at the gate, the pilots also quoted the total number of hours and cycles for this aircraft (unfortunately I had already stopped the camera at that point).\u00a0<\/p>\n

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When I stepped out of my row, the flight attendant serving my section asked whether I was a pilot or flight attendant.\u00a0 I responded, \u201cneither \u2013 just an enthusiast\u201d.\u00a0 He was taken back by that.\u00a0 Unlike the flight attendants on my first flight, he did not hesitate allowing me taking photos of the cabin prior to exiting.\u00a0 The pilot had already vacated the Flight Deck and was welcoming anyone to take photos.\u00a0 I thoroughly enjoyed this flight \u2013 an experience well worth the extra $75!<\/p>\n

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Day 3<\/b><\/p>\n

Flight AA 80
Dallas-Ft Worth (DFW) to Chicago-O\u2019Hare (ORD)
McDonnell Douglas MD-83
Registration (msn\/ln):\u00a0 N984TW (53634\/2287)
Last MD-80 Produced<\/i>
Aircraft Delivered: Dec, 1999 to TWA
Flight Time:\u00a0 1:46<\/p>\n

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Night before the final flight, I went to the ticket counter to request a printout of my boarding pass as a keepsake.\u00a0 I wanted it to be on cardstock, not flimsy thermal paper from the self check-in kiosk.\u00a0 The customer service agent did not bat an eye when I made my request.\u00a0 As I found out, I was not the first person who made the request that night.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I arrived at Terminal C shortly after 7 am, two hours prior to departure.\u00a0 The sun was beginning to rise and American\u2019s final MD-80 flights were just arriving at the DFW hub.\u00a0 At the gate, the retirement party was already in full swing.\u00a0 After getting my obligatory photos in front of the MD-80 balloons and backdrop, I boogied on to the Skylink train to get photos of the last DFW sunrise over American MadDogs.<\/p>\n

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For the final revenue flight, MD-83 Ship 4YU, registration N984TW (msn\/ln 53634\/2287) was appropriately selected to fly flight AA 80.\u00a0 This aircraft was the final MD-80 produced.\u00a0 N984TW rolled off Boeing\u2019s former Douglas aircraft factory in Long Beach, California in December, 1999 and was delivered to TWA.\u00a0 TWA named this plane \u201cSpirit of Long Beach\u201d, as a tribute to its Californian heritage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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There was quite a celebration at Gate C2, amassed with reporters, cameras, employees, and enthusiasts from all walks of life.\u00a0 American\u2019s DFW operations manager and maintenance manager (retired) made speeches and flight attendant Patty shared interesting antidotes working the MD-80.\u00a0 CEO Doug Parker was also on hand greeting customers and employees alike.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Two Super 80 fans pose with flight AA 80 flight attendants (L to R) Linette, Nancy, Katie, and Jake.\u00a0 They competed to be on this special flight (Photo:\u00a0 Bernie Leighton)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Tables were set up for refreshments, but either they were not ready in time or were not intended for our flight.\u00a0 Boarding began earlier than the 8:30 am advertised time \u2013 and they needed all that time.\u00a0 When my Group 6 was called, quite a long (and slow-moving) line had formed in the jetway.\u00a0 Passengers were allowed to board five at a time, giving us some time to linger in line to chat with fellow passengers and to get photos taken with CEO Doug Parker.<\/p>\n

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In the interest of completing boarding quickly, staff was efficiently moving people through the boarding door:\u00a0 hand your camera to the designated photographer, pose next to the door, two clicks, get your camera back, board the plane.<\/p>\n

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I arrived at my seat 27F to find a goodie bag and a nicely decorated envelope personalized with my seat number.\u00a0 Number one flight attendant Linette had made those bonus kits for everyone on her own time and money.\u00a0 A \u201cThank You\u201d card was personally signed by all the flight attendants.\u00a0 What a nice gesture!<\/p>\n

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The goodie bag contained farewell cards, a hat, mug, and my favorite – a challenge coin!<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\nDespite the mad house at the gate and long line on the jetway, we managed to push back only two minutes late. The mood on board was definitely jovial. Everyone applauded whenever something special was announced.<\/p>\n

Fire engines were positioned for a water cannon salute but it was not for our flight. I later learned one of the retirement flights to the desert in Roswell, New Mexico got the water cannon.<\/p>\n

It was a long taxi to the west side of the airport.\u00a0 We used Runway 18L for the benefit of the crowd watching for our departure from DFW\u2019s excellent airplane spotting park, Founders Plaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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AA 80 pilots Capt Beetle (L) and Capt Kunasek (R)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prior to taking the runway, pilots Captain Clint Beetle and Captain Greg Kunasek made formal welcome remarks. Capt Kunasek was American\u2019s MD-80 Fleet and Training Manager while Capt Beetle, a veteran pilot of the MD-80, flew the MadDog since 1987 and had accumulated over 21,000 hours on the type. For Capt Beetle, it was a bittersweet day. He said humorously, \u201cthanks to all of you for paying for my mortgage, kid\u2019s college, braces\u2026it\u2019s been a great career (on the MD-80)\u201d.\u00a0 Still with 5 years to go until retirement, Capt Beetle lamented, \u201con my next airplane, I will probably have to learn French!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

With a ring of the double chime, the twin JT8Ds came to life with their distinctive high pitch whine as we lined up on 18L.\u00a0 There was no hold, the whine now a buzzy roar, we immediately rolled for takeoff.\u00a0 It was a long takeoff run.\u00a0 We rotated near Taxiway WL intersection, about 8000 feet down the runway.\u00a0 Out of my window, I saw our shadow chasing alongside as we pulled away into the air, creating a neat effect.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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We made a sweeping bank to the right over Fort Worth, turning north back towards DFW.\u00a0 Climbing through 10,000 feet, Flight Attendant Jake made the customary cabin service announcement.\u00a0 He liberally sprinkled humor throughout, drawing laughter from everyone on board.\u00a0 In an appropriate send off to the MD-80\u2019s notoriously unreliable internet service, Jake declared: \u201cWifi service is available on today\u2019s flight\u2026it will not work\u2026we also offer streaming video out the window\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

In economy class, everyone received complimentary alcoholic beverages and a choice of cheese plate or turkey bacon breakfast sandwich.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Passengers were in a party mood and mingled in the aisles while service was underway.\u00a0 Flight attendants, in a jovial mood as well, did not seem to mind the minor hinderances and worked their way through the party.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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I was seated next to two interesting American Airlines employees (one retired, one active), both with ties to the MD-80.\u00a0<\/p>\n

John \u201cThe Mayor\u201d Judge was the Managing Director of Aircraft Maintenance at DFW.\u00a0 Mr. Judge is an approachable guy.\u00a0 \u00a0Airline staff flying on the flight were excited to see \u201cMr. Mayor\u201d and he garnered handshakes and selfies alike.\u00a0 Judge chuckled, \u201cI actually forgot they called me \u201cthe mayor!\u201d\u00a0 He earned that nickname because he \u201cmade a point to say hello to everybody and make a new friend everyday\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Upon learning that I am an airplane enthusiast, Mr. Mayor pulled out a piece of paper out of his pocket and told me that N984TW had accumulated 53,605 hours of ship time and 27,817 cycles.\u00a0 He compared that to N203AA, American\u2019s first MD-80, which flew between 1983 and 2007.\u00a0 That aircraft had around 74,000 hours during those 23 years when it went to the desert for storage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Allie Hurt is a Maintenance Data Record Planner at American Airlines Technical Operations Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.\u00a0 This flight was an emotional journey for Allie.\u00a0 She had won her seat in an employee contest and did not get final confirmation until less than 24 hours before departure.\u00a0 Since the MD-80 went back three generations in Hurt\u2019s family, that made the flight extra special.\u00a0 Allie\u2019s grandfather, who retired in the 2000s, worked at McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach and saw the production of the MD-80 to completion.\u00a0 Allie\u2019s father is a mechanic at American and worked on the MD-80 heavy maintenance \u201cpulse line\u201d at Tulsa.\u00a0 And up until the conclusion of American\u2019s MD-80 operations, Allie ensured the JT8D\u2019s engine maintenance records were in order to FAA standards.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Upon reaching cruising altitude of 29,000 feet, Capt Beetle returned to the PA. He introduced the crew and thanked everyone for being on this special flight, \u201cwe are thrilled that you all love this airplane as much as we do and made all the effort to be on it today.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cabin was in full party mode. It was noisy filled with laughter. Some were hanging out in the aisles while most conversed with their likeminded neighbors. Overheard from more than one person: \u201cthis is the most fun I have ever had on a flight!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Descending through 21,000 feet, Capt Kanasek announced that \u201cit is time to say your goodbyes!\u00a0 Somebody at Chicago knew we were coming.\u00a0 They tell us to go fast, because we are number one.\u201d\u00a0 In fact, we received expedited handling from air traffic control throughout the flight \u2013 from beginning to end.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It took awhile to get service item picked up, since everyone had food and drinks.\u00a0 It has hindered by the crowd still hanging out in the aisle.\u00a0 It was difficult to get people seated back down. Some people started signing the cabin walls and overhead bins with a sharpie marker which opened the floodgates.\u00a0 Everyone now had to make their mark.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The best artwork was this beautiful rendering of the Mad Dog:<\/p>\n

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Two safety cards got passed around for everyone to sign. They were to be donated to the airline\u2019s CR Smith Museum for their collection.<\/p>\n

Flight Attendant Jake made one last joke: \u201cladies and gentlemen, we have an exciting offer for you today\u202660,000 bonus miles!\u201d\u00a0 Everyone busted out in laughter.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With a bit of emotion in his voice, Capt Beetle declared, \u201cthis is the last Super 80 prepare for landing that you will ever hear from American Airlines: flight attendants, please prepare for landing\u201d.<\/p>\n

It was difficult to switch off the party mode.\u00a0 Once everyone finally got seated, the cabin finally settled down. For those of us in the back of the plane, it was nice listening to the JT8Ds being throttled up and down during approach to Runway 10C.<\/p>\n

One hour and 44 minutes after taking off from DFW, Capt Beetle greased the landing at Chicago O\u2019Hare to the thunderous applause of all on board.\u00a0 The braking and reverse motion was relatively mild as we had a long taxi ahead.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jake wanted everyone to know that Linette personally made the envelopes for everyone on board. We thanked her with an enthusiastic applause. Flight AA 80 blocked in at Gate K5 at 11:26 am, 9 minutes early, to one last applause from everyone on board. Disappointingly, there was no water cannon salute upon arrival.<\/p>\n

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Just like boarding, deplaning was a lengthy process. Everyone wanted photos and autographs with the pilots.<\/p>\n

Someone joked, \u201cno one is in a hurry to go anywhere anyway\u201d. As soon as he said that, two ladies seated behind us tried to make their way up. Apparently they were \u201creal\u201d passengers!\u00a0 With help from the crew – they managed their way up and off the plane to make their connection to somewhere.<\/p>\n

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After the crew encouraged those remaining to hurry and deplane, I finally stepped off American\u2019s last MD-80 about 30 minutes after arrival.\u00a0 Stepping into the gate area, I was warmly welcomed by applause from the staff.\u00a0 It was unexpected and put a big smile on my face.<\/p>\n

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The party continued at the gate.\u00a0 Like DFW, ORD was also festively decorated with balloons and a stage with MD-80 backdrop.\u00a0 We were all treated to Chicago Dogs and cake.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t have time to linger for speeches and watch the pushback to the desert.\u00a0 I needed to say my goodbyes as I had a connection to an United flight back home in Terminal 1.<\/p>\n

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American Airlines did a magnificent job retiring the Super 80.\u00a0 Kudos goes out to everyone at the airline for making the entire #Super80SendOff experience fun and memorable.\u00a0 Extra commendation goes out to the crew of flight AA 80 for going the extra mile to make the flight something special in the air<\/i>!<\/p>\n

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Super80Sendoff \u2013 My Final Flights on the American MD-80 September 4th, 2019 saw the final flights of American Airlines once ubiquitous MD-80.\u00a0 Launched in 1981 by McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach as the DC-9-80 series, the company marketed it as the \u201cSuper 80 \u2013 the plane for the 1980s\u201d.\u00a0 When American Airlines picked up its […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37110,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12028],"tags":[2634,14325,24099],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-37109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-airline","tag-dog","tag-farewell","tag-maad"],"yoast_head":"\nMy Farewell to the MAAd Dog - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=37109\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"My Farewell to the MAAd Dog - 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