Site Admin

Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Posts: 2316
Location: Indianapolis, IN

Ever wondered if a NW DC10-30 would fit in concourse A? The answer is yes. Below is a rework of an aerial photo of IND and a DC10-30 taken from MSP. Both images were at the exact same scale. Gate A3 is the only gate where the DC10 could fit without having to close another gate. All other gates would require another gate to be closed or the jet would not be able to access the jetway without striking a wall. I know my editing isn't the best. I'll never pretend to be a photoshop pro. But a DC10 can be done. This also means a 767 will fit as well. An A330-300 will not. Neither will an A330-200. And just forget about a 747.

Member

Joined: 15 May 2006
Posts: 728
Location: West Lafayette, IN

It looks as if the DC-10 would fit at A2, A4, A7, and A8. I know the 752's used to come into A2. Plus, if a NWA DC-10 were to come to IND, wouldn't it most likely fly an international route, and thus have to go to the Int. "terminal." Just my 1/50th of a dollar.

Site Admin

Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Posts: 2316
Location: Indianapolis, IN

Well on the right side of the concourse the jet woud have to follow that yellow line to taxi to the gate. That would result in the left wing clipping the wall. If it moved over to the right it would risk having its right wing catch the back side of a plane. A8 MIGHT work but you run the risk of the back end of the DC10 sticking out to far making it difficult for a jet to taxi by. Using A5 or A7 would result in the wing hanging over the space of the gate next to it rendering the space useless as long as the DC10 was at the jetway. A1 is too close to the terminal and there is a light pole in the area. A3 is the only gate where the jet won't risk hitting a wall, pole, other jets, block taxi space or hang over into the space next to it. Also A3 has extra space for seating. It has roughly the seating space of A2 and A4 combined.

And the DC10 would only go to the international building upon return to unload people. It would then taxi over to the A concourse to pick up new passengers.

Member

Joined: 15 May 2006
Posts: 728
Location: West Lafayette, IN

So, with the 753 at almost the same length as the DC-10 will it be limited to gates as well? It appears that the wingspan and wing area will not be a problem.

DC-10
Dimensions:
Span: 50.4m
Length: 55.5m
Wing area: 367.7m2

757-300
Dimensions:
Span: 38.05m
Length: 54.47
Wing area: 185.3m2

Also found this out about the MD-10:

"The Boeing MD-10 conversion for Federal Express involves fitting DC-10s (both current freighters and "new" ex airliner freighter conversions) with a two crew Honeywell VIA 2000 EFIS flightdeck with six LCD screens. The instrument panel layout is identical to that in the MD-11, and pilots can be qualified to fly the two interchangeably. First flight was on April 4 1999, while the first of 89 MD-10 conversions for FedEx was delivered on May 9 2000 (the same day the conversion was certificated). Boeing is offering the MD-10 conversion to other DC-10 operators."

Site Admin

Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Posts: 2316
Location: Indianapolis, IN

I think length will be an issue for the 753 on Monday. That is part of the reason I really want to go. I want to see where they put this jet. The 40ish foot difference in wingspan is huge. Thats the difference between fitting anywhere in concourse A and being greatly limited.

Member

Joined: 14 Jun 2006
Posts: 142
Location: IND

NW had a 747-400 for UCLA fans at gate A5 after the final four.

The DC-10s will be retired by October.

Site Admin

Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Posts: 2316
Location: Indianapolis, IN

Were they able to A3 or A7 while the 744 was parked at A5?

Member

Joined: 14 Jun 2006
Posts: 142
Location: IND

A3 and A7 was not used. They had to use a part of the ramp space for A7 to push out the 747. If I can dig up some pictures...I will try and post them!

Site Admin

Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Posts: 2316
Location: Indianapolis, IN

Having a family of five including a wife that works the night shift makes it difficult to get to the airport for pics. So if you managed to get some I'd be thirlled. I certainly missed it.

Member

Joined: 15 May 2006
Posts: 728
Location: West Lafayette, IN

Wow, I didn't even know NW brought a 744 in, not that I was in town to see it though.

Site Admin

Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Posts: 2316
Location: Indianapolis, IN

Like my dumb luck I missed it. Was driving north on 31 on the south side and saw it flying in. No camera.