Why FedEx MD10s are called DC10s?

Aviation Airlines
1

I remember when FlightAware distinguished between DC-10s and MD-10s; now they don’t. Everything is a ‘DC-10’ as far as FedEx is concerned.

Why is that?

Chris in NH

2

FlightAware didn’t differentiate between a DC10 and an MD10. The airline did. FlightAware gets its aircraft data from the flight plan. If the flight plan shows a DC10 then that’s what will appear in FlightAware.

3

Sort of, it’s really the FAA’s call.

Look at the 7110.65 Appendix A. Aircraft Information - Fixed‐Wing Aircraft. Then down to MCDONNELL-DOUGLAS CORP.

A MD-10’s correct type designator is DC-10.

Frank Holbert
160knots.com

4

Might be wrong on this, but aren’t the MD-10’s modified DC-10’s with a new cockpit and winglets?

5

Think you’re right, MD-11 flight deck (2man), on DC-10. Not sure about the winglets.

From:WIKI

MD-10: This was retrofit cockpit upgrade to the DC-10 and a re-designation to MD-10. The upgrade included an Advanced Common Flightdeck (ACF) used on the MD-11.[18] The new cockpit eliminated the need for the flight engineer position and allowed common type rating with the MD-11. This allows companies such as FedEx Express, which operate both the MD-10 and MD-11, to have a common pilot pool for both aircraft. The MD-10 conversion now falls under the Boeing Converted Freighter program where Boeing’s international affiliate companies perform the conversions.

6

There is an extensive article in the February Issue of Airliner World about the DC10.

The MD-10 is basically a refitted DC-10. new cockpit, no winglets. Winglets were only added for the MD-11. IIRC, FDX is the only MD10 operator as well.

BL.