The end of DC 10 passenger flying

Biman Bangladesh's sole remaining DC10 finished its last scheduled flight at Birmingham BHX. The aircraft DC10-30 registration S2-ACR was made available for one hour pleasure flights from BHX.
The very last passenger flight was to be Monday 24th February 2014 before repositioning to its final resting place.
David Smith and Barry Jones were lucky enough to obtain window seats for this last flight.

After gaining our boarding cards we found the gate opened unusually early where we were surprised to find a champagne and cake reception and a welcome address from the airlines Managing Director and C.E.O. Mr Kevin Steele who also announced the purchase of a new Boeing 777 for use on BHX to North America routes.

On arrival at the flight line the press were in force from both ITV and BBC news. One recognisable guest was Janice Long the radio broadcaster, who as a young woman was part of the cabin crew on English based DC10's.

On board before the flight we were all offered a complimentary soft drink.

The flight itself was out and return to the Scottish Borders, visibility was good with but unfortunately 8/10th cloud cover, parts of Morcombe Bay and a little settled snow over Cumbria was clearly visible.

The engines were remarkably quiet theyseemed extremely powerful and responsive the rest of the aircraft I can only describe as tired, indicative of a long and hard life a bit like myself.

After landing the final accolade, the BHX crash crews honoured the aircraft with a tunnel of water cannon as we taxied to our stand. So ended the opportunity to say farewell to one of the first wide bodied jets.

Barry A Jones