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MD-80 Fleet Bulletins

23 MAR 2023 | MD-80 Family Variants in the vspirit Fleet​

Context​

The release of the Leonardo MD-88 for MSFS.

Requirements for VA Members​

We will continue to consider the MD-82 and MD-83 as interchangeable when it comes to submitted PIREPs; we encourage pilots (but do not require them) to organize their liveries correctly between the MD-82 and MD-83 so that they can book flights with a correct tail number matching the one that they will fly.

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Spirit Airlines did not operate the MD-88, use of the MD-88 may result in an invalidated PIREP. The differences between the types are admittedly very minimal, so this requirement comes from a place of encouraging process/policy adherence, attention to detail, and historical authenticity.

Aircraft Model Differences​

The MD-82, MD-83, and MD-88 have the same fuselage dimensions.

MD-82:

  • Updated version of the MD-81 with more powerful engines, designed to give better performance at hot and high airports. AAL operated over 300 MD-82s.
  • Powered by JT8D-217A with options for -217C and -219
  • MTOW of 149,500 lbs
  • 37,960 lbs fuel capacity
  • Typical range of 2,050nm

MD-83:

  • Further development of the MD-82, designed to provide longer range with more powerful engines
  • Powered by JT8D-219 engines standard
  • MTOW increased to 160,000 lbs
    • “To cope with the higher operating weights, the MD-83 incorporates strengthened landing gear including new wheels, tires, and brakes, changes to the wing skins, front spar web and elevator spar cap, and strengthened floor beams and panels to carry the auxiliary fuel tanks. From MD-80 line number 1194, an MD-81 delivered in September 1985, it is understood that all MD-80s have the same basic wing structure and in theory could be converted to MD-83 standard.”
  • Increased (~7,350 lbs) fuel capacity with aux tanks added in the fuselage bringing total capacity to ~45,500 lbs
  • Typical range of 2,504 nm

MD-88:

  • Was not operated by Spirit.
  • The main difference with the MD-88 was the implementation of Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) in the cockpit, which in many cases was carried back into MD-82 and MD-83 fleets. Indeed, the MaddogX MD-82 and MD-83 also have EFIS instrumentation. We hope Leonardo will implement steam gauge cockpits for the MD-82 and MD-83 as an option in the future, and encourage members to (politely and positively) share our desire for this on their forums as appropriate.
  • Has the same weight, range, and performance as the MD-82/83, with the aux tanks being optional.