Originally Posted by
Braniff DC8
I think the 88's were originally 82's and were modded in the late 80s early 90s?
Yes, and the "mods" took place in stages as the new components became available:
1) a few MD-82s flying -- round dial, no LNAV/VNAV
2) some MD-88s arrive -- glass, but no LNAV/VNAV yet
3) MD-88 LNAV/VNAV installed, but not authorized for use
4) LNAV authorized for use
5) VNAV authorized for use
6) MD-82s retrofitted with glass and LNAV/VNAV
It sounds like a training hodgepodge, but this phased upgrade was fairly easy, as you first flew "round-dial" and then got used to one new capability at a time. It was also a good deal to attend school in Long Beach instead of ATL.
