Call it DC9, MD80, 717 - whatever. This is/was a great little plane - as nimble as a regional jet - yet stable as a 757. Douglas flooded the market with these things while trying to unload MD11s in package deals. The MD11s are history (shame), but these boys are still flying high and strong. Almost all pilots jumping up to the majors flew these planes for years.
Admittedly, the old cockpits were a mess and you needed four eyes to keep track of the instruments. When the 717, or the first MD90 EHD came along, they had these glass gauges and it truly became a joy to fly these things. Now, Boeing has decided to discontinue production. Check out JCA website for some real nice 717s. Thanks to Ken Mitchell for his great MFD gauges.

Enjoy the panel and the aircraft before they become classics.

by Capt. Rad James Yarjan