Can a Company Rebuild Nostalgic McDonnell Douglas MD-80s With Permission and Resources?

Is it feasible for a company to obtain permission from Boeing and redevelop a few airworthy McDonnell Douglas MD-80s for the sake of nostalgia, with a lot of money and resources? This article explores the challenges and considerations involved in such a project.

Availability of MD-80s

Wikipedia indicates that as of July 2021, a total of 159 MD-80 aircraft, across all variants, were in active service. The option of simply purchasing a working MD-80 is one that is readily available and cost-effective.

Why Rebuild?

Despite the possibility of refurbishing a working MD-80, why would someone want to embark on a more complex and expensive rebuild? The primary reasons could be the desire for 100 percent originality or a specific project requirement that necessitates a newly built aircraft. However, the practicality of such a project is debatable.

Challenges of Rebuilding

The mechanical manufacturing equipment and expertise required for such a task are no longer available. Parts, especially those used in the manufacturing of the original aircraft, are not readily obtainable in the current supply chain.

Additionally, the specific alloys used in engine components and avionics parts may no longer be available. The expertise needed for such a project has retired or passed away, and the documentation required for certification is likely incomplete or no longer accessible.

Certifying authorities for those classes of devices may no longer operate, making the process of obtaining certification nearly impossible. This further complicates the feasibility of rebuilding the aircraft for commercial use.

Historical Restoration Projects

To gain an understanding of the enormity of the task, consider the 25-year project to restore a 727 aircraft. The extensive resources and specialized knowledge required for such a project provide a clear indication of the challenges faced in trying to rebuild a McDonnell Douglas MD-80.

Even with all the necessary resources, the result would likely be a partially rebuilt aircraft with some compromises to its originality. It would probably not meet current aviation safety standards and could only be used for ferrying flights and demonstrations.

Alternatives to Rebuilding

Given that there are still 145 MD-80s in active service as of April 2021, including various variants, the most practical approach would be simply to buy and refurbish an existing one. This option is far more cost-effective and technically feasible.

For those with a strong passion for aviation nostalgia, purchasing and refurbishing a used MD-80 can provide a more realistic and practical solution. It allows for a greater focus on appearance, functionality, and maintaining the aircraft's original design.

Conclusion

While the idea of rebuilding an MD-80 for nostalgia purposes may seem appealing, it is fraught with significant challenges. The more pragmatic approach is to take an already existing aircraft, refurbish it, and enjoy the benefits of authenticity and availability.

Keywords: MD-80 Rebuild, Restoration Project, Aviation Nostalgia