Future of the DTW 717 Category
03-08-2026 | 04:15 PM
#21
Line Holder
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 385
The ADS-B OUT mandate of 2020 basically forced GA to install equipment that had ADS-B OUT (and by equipment, IN as well.)
I was shocked when I came to Delta to discover that ADS-B IN weather wasn't even a thing. Regulations and liability and all.
Not saying this is Delta-specific as I imagine this translates to all Airlines/Air Lines.
ADS-B weather is almost free, but we don't have access to it on the flight deck. We only have our proprietary weather when Wifi is working. It's weird.
I had more usable/reliable airborne weather 15 years ago in GA than I do in a 717 (with its questionable wifi) today. Let alone when the wifi gets turned off in May.
03-08-2026 | 04:49 PM
#22
Thread Starter
On Reserve
Joined: Oct 2022
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Fangs, you seem to keep a close eye on fleet growth/hiring/AE's. Is a complete winddown of DTW 717 in '26 or '27 even feasible with the current hiring and aircraft delivery schedule (or lack thereof)? Have you seen any trends in the past that would indicate a closure is likely?
It seems like it could be a great deal for some, and disappointing for others.
03-08-2026 | 05:00 PM
#23
Bent over by buybacks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 680
That guidance sums up the Delta management mindset. Start at the outer edge of common sense, ask "but what would Ed want me to do," and then take a giant leap into the circus tent.
03-08-2026 | 05:27 PM
#24
Roll’n Thunder
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,178
Likes: 590
From: Pilot
so...they tell you to take a screen shot before you leave the gate. Do these buffoons understand that weather and turbulence are not static?
That guidance sums up the Delta management mindset. Start at the outer edge of common sense, ask "but what would Ed want me to do," and then take a giant leap into the circus tent.
That guidance sums up the Delta management mindset. Start at the outer edge of common sense, ask "but what would Ed want me to do," and then take a giant leap into the circus tent.
03-08-2026 | 05:33 PM
#25
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 155
From: Big ones
Given the high volume of short flights we do all across the SE US it won’t at all surprise me if we have a serious incident or two this summer due to a crew getting caught in bad weather that they couldn’t get a clear picture of with just the forward scanning on board radar.
03-09-2026 | 01:22 AM
#27
On Reserve
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 81
Likes: 21
so...they tell you to take a screen shot before you leave the gate. Do these buffoons understand that weather and turbulence are not static?
That guidance sums up the Delta management mindset. Start at the outer edge of common sense, ask "but what would Ed want me to do," and then take a giant leap into the circus tent.
That guidance sums up the Delta management mindset. Start at the outer edge of common sense, ask "but what would Ed want me to do," and then take a giant leap into the circus tent.
You’ve gotta be airborne longer than the refresh rate!
03-09-2026 | 03:32 AM
#28
On Reserve
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 116
Likes: 20
Given the high volume of short flights we do all across the SE US it won’t at all surprise me if we have a serious incident or two this summer due to a crew getting caught in bad weather that they couldn’t get a clear picture of with just the forward scanning on board radar.
03-09-2026 | 05:26 AM
#29
Moderator
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 8,354
Likes: 1,377
Fangs, you seem to keep a close eye on fleet growth/hiring/AE's. Is a complete winddown of DTW 717 in '26 or '27 even feasible with the current hiring and aircraft delivery schedule (or lack thereof)? Have you seen any trends in the past that would indicate a closure is likely?
It seems like it could be a great deal for some, and disappointing for others.
It seems like it could be a great deal for some, and disappointing for others.
Id guess that organic issues (like maintenance-driven requirements) will drive the retirement schedule far more than hiring will delay it. I think we all expect them to close DTW and consolidate the fleet to ATL before final closure. The ‘when’ of all that is not in my wheelhouse.
Personally, I wouldn’t go to a fleet for the purpose of getting MD’d off. But some individual circumstances may make sense I guess.
03-09-2026 | 06:02 AM
#30
Line Holder
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 872
Likes: 85
From: 717a
Yep, and we did OK with steam gauges, paper charts, VOR navigation and flight engineers too. Having WIFI and access to WX info is a great tool and mitigates threats (they love when you say that). More than once I’ve changed my alternate on a divert based on where the weather was NOW as opposed to 90 minutes ago.
It’s absurd that the fleet with the most exposure to weather threats will be the least informed, but hey get ready for more when a bean counter is installed as COO.
It’s absurd that the fleet with the most exposure to weather threats will be the least informed, but hey get ready for more when a bean counter is installed as COO.
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