Thread back from the dead!

I'm Chris and I work alongside the OP. Sorry to report that due to the facility consolidation from MSP to ATL, the L-1011 and MD-11 simulators have been sold and as such are in the process of being either dismantled entirely or moved to another location.

The L-1011 simulator was one of - if not THE - only TriStar device still certified. Up until 2008 or so, this trainer was used almost on a daily basis by the now-defunct ATA. Pretty impressive that this device was maintained for as long as it was, considering Delta retired the L-1011 over a decade ago.

The two MD-11 simulators have a similar story to tell. We had two MD-11 simulators - one originally acquired by Delta when the type was introduced and another shortly thereafter. The second simulator was actually originally built for British Caledonian. You airline history buffs will no doubt remember that "BCal" actually had an order on the books with McDonald Douglas for the MD-11. This order was quickly canceled by British Airways following the acquisition of BCal by BA in the 1990s. The simulator needed a new home and eventually made its way to Atlanta. World Airways relied on Delta almost exclusively for their three-holer training but that too has come to an end, at least with regards to the MD-11s. They will continue to use one of the simulators, albeit after it has been relocated to another facility by the purchaser.

As I said, all of these recent changes are due to the facility consolidation currently underway; 12 months from now, the space vacated by these simulators will be filled with those from MSP (e.g. A320s, A330s, and additional 757s).

Thanks for flying Delta,
Chris