I just read an article that said the pollen count set a record in Atlanta. Heads up on the DC-9 and MD-88 (I don't know if this happens on other aircraft)... Every year when the pollen is high in Atlanta, we get a burning smell after takeoff as the pollen is burned up and passes through the packs. I've even had the lav smoke detectors on the 88 go off because of this. They used to put out a bulletin every spring on the 88 about it. Anyway, last trip I smelled it (pretty faint smell) on the DC-9 on just about every takeoff out of ATL. Of course, the pollen count was substantially lower last week than it apparently is right now. Anyway, thought it was worth a heads up to all you new MD-88 and DC-9 drivers.

This has been a public service announcement.