One of the world’s last flying Douglas DC-9 aircraft is back in the skies after an extended period being grounded and undergoing maintenance.
The rare DC-9-20 model, which incorporates the DC-9-10 fuselage with the -30’s wings, was one of only ten built. The type was developed specifically for Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), but they later flew for carriers like Spirit Airlines.
The aircraft in question, N127NK, has been owned by Skydive Perris since 2003 and has been involved in a very unusual role as a platform for launching skydives out of its rear airstair door.
This is fantastic! The only airworthy DC-9-21 on this planet made a testflight at May 7, 2024 after years of maintenance and not flying. The aircraft is based at a small airport near Los Angeles called Perris Valley airport. pic.twitter.com/iBuAvXKlQ6
— MarcelvandenBerg_Part2 (@ArcelvandenBerg) May 8, 2024
Looking like a scene out of the movie “Cliffhanger”. This is a unique aircraft, being the only remaining airworthy DC-9-21 (a variant originally developed for SAS) and the only commercial jet airliner being used for skydiving operations. This particular frame, N127NK. 😲😎 pic.twitter.com/1ADMXsud3h
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) September 13, 2021
Photo (c) Dan Stijovich
Photo (c) Dan Stijovich
Photo (c) Dan Stijovich
Photo (c) Dan Stijovich
Based at Perris Airfield in Riverside County, California (about half way between Los Angeles and San Diego) the jet recently undertook its first test flights since undergoing maintenance. It is now once again available for taking skydivers to altitude ready for their launches, and the company is actively advertising jumps from the jet.
Unfortuantely the company can’t accommodate those simply wishing to fly on the jet, with it only being available to licensed jumpers.
Thanks to Dan Stijovich for his amazing photographs. See his photographs online.
