PSA MD-81 N938PS (48094/1053) 'The Smile of New Mexico' Del. 04/07/1982
Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) was one of the first airlines to order and operate the DC-9 Super 80. The airline based in San Diego, California used the MD81 to begin replacement of the old reliable 727 aircraft that has served them so well. This PSA MD-81
is caught holding short of Rwy 30R in San Jose, California in June 1985.
(Photo Michael J. Carter Collection)
USAir MD-81 N805US (48053/986) Del. 07/10/1981 to PSA as N929PS
Sadly, PSA disappeared for ever when on February 27, 1987 the airline was merged into USAir. The PSA titles were replaced with USAir titles and logos overnight and the Smiles were wiped from the noses of all PSA aircraft. For those of us who grew up in California PSA will never be forgotten and we certainly Catch a Smile whenever we are reminded of or see photos of the PSA Grinning Birds. I took the above photo at Ft. Lauderdale Airport in January 2000. If you look closely and use a little imagination you can see the old PSA Smile coming through the bare metal finish on this old PSA (USAir) MD81.
(Photo By Michael J. Carter)
Vanguard MD-81 N814US (48094/1053) Del. 04/07/1982 to PSA as N938PS
USAirways has now retired the PSA MD80 fleet, but some of the aircraft have already found new homes and airlines to operate for as we see here with Vanguard MD-81 N814US as it arrives in Las Vegas.
(Photo By Michael J. Carter)
