End of an Era at Northwest

Northwest Airlines (NWACQ Quote) is planning to retire the last dozen DC10 airplanes in the U.S. that fly passengers, replacing them on prized long-haul routes with newer, more efficient jets that have far more amenities.

The airplanes' retirement could also force out several dozen pilots who are over 60. Federal regulations prohibit pilots who are over 60 from flying as captains or first officers, but allow them to fly as second officers.

The DC10 is one of the few aircraft that requires what was once common -- three-man crews that include a second officer, also known as a flight engineer. ...