FS2004 Eastern Airlines Douglas DC-9-14

This repaint showcases the classic Eastern Airlines scheme for the short-haul Douglas DC-9-14 variant, specifically tail number N8913E (45830/75). It is designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and requires SGA’s freeware DC-9 base package (file name SGA910.ZIP) found in the Fly Away Simulation library. Created by developer Frank Idone, this texture set preserves the airline’s iconic look while providing accurate details and markings.

Authentic EAL Exterior Artwork

The fuselage paint job mirrors Eastern Airlines’ historical branding. You will see the polished metal underbody, conventional cheatline, and airline titles rendered with accurate hues and proportions.

Installation Procedure

Once you have acquired the base DC-9 package from SGA, simply unzip the included files into the appropriate “aircraft” folder within your Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 directory. After extracting, open the aircraft configuration (aircraft.cfg) file and add the following entry, replacing “XX” with the next available sequence number:

[fltsim.XX]
title=SGA DC-9-14 Eastern
sim=SGA DC9_10
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=eastern
checklists=
atc_id=N8913E
atc_id_color=
atc_airline=Eastern
atc_flight_number=124
ui_manufacturer=Douglas
ui_type=DC-9-14
ui_variation=Eastern
description=DC-9 no.75 flown by Eastern Airlines.\nLivery by Frank Idone.\n\nThe DC-9 was designed specifically to operate from short runways and on short- to medium-range routes so that the speed, comfort and reliability of jet transportation could be extended to hundreds of communities previously served only by propeller-driven airliners. The series 10 was the first in the twinjet family, the fuselage length of the Series 10 DC-9 is 104.4 feet (31.8 m), accommodating up to 90 passengers with 600 cubic feet (16.9 m3) of cargo space below the floor. Wingspan is 89.4 feet (27.2 m). Engines can be JT8D-5s or JT8D-7s, with takeoff thrust ratings up to 14,000 pounds.

Notable Characteristics of the DC-9-14

• Compact Dimensions: With a fuselage length of around 104 feet, this version fits smaller airports.
• Powerful JT8D Engines: The aircraft employs JT8D-5 or JT8D-7 turbofans, offering reliable short-runway performance.
• Efficient Cabin Layout: Designed for about 90 passengers, it typically featured a single-class layout on many routes.
• Cargo Capacity: Roughly 600 cubic feet of below-deck storage keeps flight decks orderly and organized.

About Eastern Airlines and Operation of the DC-9

Eastern Airlines, a large American carrier for much of the 20th century, used these twinjets on busy corridors where quick turnaround times and dependable performance were crucial. The DC-9’s smaller footprint, coupled with its nimble handling, made it particularly useful for dense routes with shorter airfields. This repaint by Frank Idone captures the distinct branding that appeared from the tail forward, evoking the era when jet travel was rapidly transforming domestic aviation.

Note: This mod includes only textures; you will need the freeware DC-9 base model (SGA910.ZIP) from the Fly Away Simulation library. All credits go to Frank Idone for this expertly crafted livery.