FS2004 Northwest Airlines Douglas DC-9-14 N3306L

This repaint package showcases a vivid Northwest Airlines Douglas DC-9-14 (registration N3306L, circa 1987) built for use within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. It adds historically relevant markings to SGA’s base Douglas DC-9 series model, emphasizing the reliable short- to medium-range service the DC-9 provided to countless airports across the United States.

Remarkable Livery Elements

The textures have been meticulously crafted to reflect the authentic Northwest Airlines appearance from the late 1980s. Careful attention has been paid to the fuselage stripes, tail logos, and registration detail on the fin, capturing the airline’s classic color arrangement. The developer, Frank Idone, ensured the design matches the distinct red, white, and silver scheme originally used by Northwest Airlines at that time, bringing an era-appropriate ambiance right into your simulator.

Historic Influence of the DC-9

The Douglas DC-9 series was specifically engineered for operations on shorter runways while maintaining robust performance on routes between regional hubs and larger cities. With a wingspan of approximately 89 feet (27.2 m) and a fuselage length spanning about 104 feet (31.8 m), the series can seat around 90 passengers and hold up to 600 cubic feet (16.9 m³) of cargo. Operators often selected Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines, providing ample power in the 14,000-pound thrust class, thereby extending competitive service to airports that previously supported only propeller-driven flights. Northwest Airlines capitalized on that capability for short-haul routes, offering reliable service throughout its network.

Installation Process

• Ensure you have the SGA Douglas DC-9 base package (SGA910.ZIP) installed. The freeware base model is available in the Fly Away Simulation library.
• Extract these repaint textures into your existing DC-9 aircraft folder within your simulator’s directory.
• Locate the aircraft configuration file (aircraft.cfg) in the same aircraft folder. Append the following entry, adjusting the “XX” to the next sequential number:

[fltsim.XX]
title=SGA DC-9-14 NWA
sim=SGA DC9_10
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=nwo
checklists=
atc_id=N3306L
atc_id_color=
atc_airline=Northwest
atc_flight_number=151
ui_manufacturer=Douglas
ui_type=DC-9-14
ui_variation=Northwest Airlines (1987)
description=DC-9 no.12 flown by Northwest Airlines.
Livery by Frank Idone.

The DC-9 was designed specifically to operate from short runways...

Additional Notes

This repaint applies only to the SGA Douglas DC-9 add-on. It does not include the base model. You must already have the freeware SGA910.ZIP package before proceeding. Once everything is in place, you can fly the iconic N3306L with your custom Northwest Airlines textures, highlighting the aircraft’s unique historical significance.

Credits to the Developers

All paintwork here is the creation of Frank Idone, who accurately reproduced the striking Northwest Airlines layout. Full acknowledgment goes to the SGA (Stewart Global Aircraft) team for their DC-9 base model, providing the foundation for this repaint.