Delta 767-300 to Washington-DCA

[ChrisW]

I know a few local NYC folks frequent the DC-area airports so I thought I'd pass this along.

Delta will send the 767 to Washington-DCA on Tuesday, 09Dec:

Delta 802 ATL-DCA
Boeing 767-300 (domestic)

Delta 809 DCA-ATL
Boeing 767-300 (domestic)

I'm going to fly up on DL 802. With any luck, I'll be able to get some photos of the aircraft's departure back to ATL. According to my source, this is a one-time route proving run for "future flights".

[flyboy 28]

Wow. That would be a sight to be seen on the River Visual.

[ChrisW]

Just got in from the inaugural ATL-DCA-ATL 767 flights. The approach on the river visual was simply breathtaking. The massive wing was a welcomed change in perspective from the MD-88 and 737 flights I have taken into and out of DCA. Here are a few shots I took:

Waiting to board DAL 0802 (ATL-DCA) at gate A19:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3096130192_33264c776e_o.jpg

Shortly after departure from ATL:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3096130250_fe40de1fed_o.jpg

Passing Rosslyn on the river visual to runway 19:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/3095288581_0f2d31788b_o.jpg

DCA's newest visitor at gate 21:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/3095288661_ef9a19c71b_o.jpg

After I deplaned I quickly listed myself on the standby list and was immediately cleared to seat 14F. The takeoff was awesome.

Our departure from runway 19:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3095288757_8d40f7374b_o.jpg

This entire experience is one I'll never forget for sure!

[PhilDernerJr]

Very nice coverage, Chris. I wish I could see it land from the outside!

[ChrisW]

As we arrived, flying over Gravely Point, I only saw maybe one or two people. A ton of folks were on the ramp though. I'm sure we'll see more photos here soon.

[PhilDernerJr]

What's DCA's history with receiving heavies?

[T-Bird76]

I think Chris mention that this was the first heavy to land at DCA. I find it interesting that when we see planes like the 76 at fields like LGA and now DCA its exciting but at JFK we turn our heads. Its a matter of the rarity of the arrival but when you put it into perspective its a 767 all the same. Certainly interesting though.

[ChrisW]

Phil,

Today's 767 landing was the first widebody at DCA since 1997, when the United DC-10 made its emergency landing due to fuel starvation. Essentially the first scheduled 767 operation (the first of many) was today's Delta flight.

Here are a few more shots, from ground level:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=cdjy938.1rxcxjik&x=0&y=-x1mmfn&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_button

Hopefully the link works...

This was N126DL, a P&W-powered bird. Imagine what a GE CF-6-powered plane could accomplish from DCA (read DCA-SLC)...

[kc2aqg]

You are incorrect about it being P&W, N126DL is powered by the CF6-80A. The only domestic 763's that are Pratt powered are N140LL, N1402A, N143DA, & N144DA. The rest (120's & 130's DL/DN) are all CF6-80A. And I don't even work for DL :shock: You should know better!

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNumSQL.asp?NNumbertxt=126DL&cmndfind.x=0&cmndfind.y=0

[ChrisW]

I had it backwards... HAHA! :-)

No one's perfect.