FS2004 Air Tran Douglas DC-9-32

This repaint has been crafted for enthusiasts running Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and showcases the Air Tran livery on the Douglas DC-9-32 airframe. It features custom textures that integrate seamlessly with the base model, though the original freeware package from SGA must be acquired separately for proper use. Created by Frank Idone, these textures replicate the airline’s real-world paint scheme while retaining accurate details of the acclaimed Series 30 DC-9 platform.

Technical Details of the Airframe

The Douglas DC-9-32 originates from a lineage explicitly designed for short to medium routes. Its compact size and powerful JT8D-series engines enable outstanding performance on shorter airstrips, which was a defining factor when it was introduced. This particular Series 30 variant benefits from an extended fuselage over earlier models, typically seating up to 115 travelers. Additionally, the leading-edge slat system contributes to remarkable low-speed handling, making it just as capable on small regional fields as it is on larger hubs. In real-world operation, Air Tran utilized the DC-9 variants in various domestic services across the United States.

Repaint Attributes

These textures incorporate unique surface reflectivity and paint layout enhancements, mirroring Air Tran’s branding across the fuselage and tail. Designers have paid attention to fuselage striping alignment and tail logo positioning to maintain fidelity with reference photographs. All damage visualizations are intentionally disabled to align with SGA’s default DC-9 configuration.

Installation Steps

1. Extract the provided contents into your aircraft folder associated with the SGA DC-9 platform.
2. Access your aircraft.cfg file and append the supplied [fltsim.XX] entry, making sure to update the XX to the next available number.
3. Confirm that texture=at aligns with the newly extracted texture folder to avoid conflicts.

Example aircraft.cfg Entry:

[fltsim.XX]
title=SGA DC-9-30 Air Tran
sim=SGA DC9_30
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=at
checklists=
atc_id=N825AT
atc_id_color=
atc_airline=Air Tran
atc_flight_number=238
ui_manufacturer=McDonnell Douglas
ui_type=DC-9-32
ui_variation=Air Tran
description=DC-9 no.434 flown by Air Tran.\nLivery by Frank Idone.\n\nThe DC-9 was introduced to serve short- and medium-range routes from smaller airports, bringing jet travel to more communities thanks to its abbreviated runway requirements. This Series 30 extension adds nearly 15 feet to the fuselage for enhanced passenger capacity. Additionally, it increases wingspan to 93.3ft, incorporating leading-edge slats for effective short-field operations. Delivery of this variant commenced in February 1967.\nThe most common engine configurations for the Series 30 consist of JT8D-7 or JT8D-9, while some operate with JT8D-11 or JT8D-15 variants with up to 15,500 lbs of thrust.\n\nThis repaint can be used by fans of the DC-9 series seeking a classic Air Tran paint scheme.
visual_damage=0
atc_heavy=0
atc_id_font=Verdana,-11,1,600,0
atc_parking_codes=
atc_parking_types=GATE,RAMP

Developer & Model Requirements

This repaint is offered by Frank Idone and is strictly textures only. You must download and place the freeware base model from SGA into your Fly Away Simulation library, then apply these Air Tran textures. Once installed, you will have a thoroughly detailed livery that represents the authentic look of a DC-9-32 in Air Tran’s color scheme.