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The MD-83 (AKA DC 9-83) is a LONGer range version of the medium range MD-80; twin rear fuselage-mounted turbofan engines, single aisle, commercial aircraft with a T-tail and a range of about 2500 nautical miles. This 83 model was fitted with 21,000 lb thrust P&W JT8D-219 engines.

The 'issue' earlier this year was from an FAA safety audit originally filed in September of 2006 which caused the grounding of American's entire MD-80 series fleet in March and April of 2008. This was approx 298 aircraft. The safety audit was to inspect electrical wiring. The end result of the audit was inconclusive. Basically the grounding caused traveler and crew problems and media sponsored fear of flying; little else.

Comfort. You have 1st class and coach. There is no Business class.

Coach seating. The port side of the aircraft has two seats labeled A and B while the starboard side has three seats labeled D/E/F seperated by a center aisle. Rows 7-13 will be the quietest since it is furthest from the engines, but rows 20 and 21 will offer more leg room due to their location adjacent to emergency exits. These rows might be colder in flight due to their location to the exits. Note: Row 20 seats A and F do not recline! Also, the closer to the back of the aircraft you are, the louder it is. Try not to sit beyond row 22.

First class has 2 seats per row and offer the best comfort. Also, the starboard (right) side of the aircraft has seats that recline just a little bit more then the port (left) side.

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I see that it's American Airlines. Im not sure if it has bad service, but I'll tell ya this; its training manual for the American Airlines pilot is incorrect. There was a crash with an American Airlines Airbus a while ago but im not sure when. ATC cleared them for take-off and that was the mistake. Once they were up in the air they got caught behind a 747's vortices and was spun out of control. During this time the pilot was using the tail rudder very violently this was another mistake and an error in the training manual. As he did this to the tail rudder the tail fin snapped of and caused the plane to crash. But they could have corrected the manual. And I have flown an aircraft quite like the MD-83 and it was comfortable, but I think the pilot was a beginner or possibly didn't know how fly because he was a pilot for AA.

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RE:

American Airlines MD-83?

I know this aircraft had a bit of trouble earlier this year.

what was the issue, and have they fixed it?

also, has anyone flown this aircraft on American? is it comfortable?

You'll be fine...

It's a medium range comfort class passenger plane...

No big deal...no worries about safety...I've flown in them...they're fine...

I don't like the MD and DC models - they look utter rubbish compared to Boeing and Airbus!

They all have been repaired, no worries. As for comfort- if you are flying coach, it's adequate. Business class is the way to go.

JT,

Great answer. I've been seeing your name more and more recently. You may not answer a lot of questions, but the answers you do give are very thorough, complete and informative. Keep it up and thanks!