ATA Tristars - Flying for how much longer?

[On Your Six]

I saw an ATA Tristar at DFW today and I was wondering how much longer they will be employed... I know that they are used for MAC flights but any idea on how much longer we can be lucky enough to see them flying? Are most of the Tristar pilots senior or will many of the FOs be furloughed (with the PFEs)? How many are currently flying for ATA?

Love that Tristar but it is a gas hog.......

 

[HalinTexas]

They've been talking about D checking them this year and keeping them around. Military charter and PHH flying is the only thing making money. They'll be around for the short term. Rumors of B767-200's this fall. Believe it when you see it.


Fuel flow at heavy cruise is around 18000 lbs. per hr. total. Reduces to around 15000 when you get light. B757 is around 6000lbs/hr. and the B737 is a little less than 6000. L10 was the best hand-flying aircraft around. Nice and smooth like a 7 series BMW. B75 is a diving board in turb, but is a fingertip flyer. -200's have lots of excess power. B73 is OK. Horiz. stab is too small, and the winglets make for interesting landings in winds. Drives like an old truck, with lots of trimming.