Originally Posted by Typhoonpilot
McDonnell Douglas
I think the best flying jet aircraft of all time would have to be between the DC-9-10 series and the 727. I haven't flown the 757, but everyone who has raves about it. I thought the 737 was pretty sloppy , but my experience is limited to -300 and 400s. The MD-80 was nice, but you had to be pretty experienced in it to really fly it well. The 777 isn't really great to fly from a hand flying standpoint nor would any of the fly-by-wire Airbii as it is all artificial feel. Personally I prefer the real thing and nothing can ever beat cable and pulleys for pure feel.
TP
I agree, although the DC-9/MD-80 types had heavier control forces than the Boeings. The 727 was "quickest", but loud and cramped; and your outboard arm and leg froze on long night flights. The DC9-30 and 767-300 were somewhat underpowered, having been stretched without adding enough engine. We called the 767-200 "the dump truck". The 757 was a dream, and the 767-300ER was an even better dream. Never got to fly the 777, as I had to retire 5 years early to protect my lump sum--but I hear it's the best.