Ex-United DC-10 to Become New Airborne Eye Hospital

Posted by Stephen Michaelson on April 26, 2009 · View Comments

by David Kaminski-Morrow
Flightglobal.com

Orbis International, the eye-surgery charity, is to replace its ageing McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 with a DC-10-30 to be donated by its ex-operator, United Airlines, and FedEx.

The organisation’s DC-10-10, registered N220AU, was the second DC-10 off the production line and first flew in late 1970.

It was in service with carriers including Laker Airways and Cal Air International before being transferred to Orbis in 1992 and fitted out as an airborne eye hospital. It includes an ophthalmic surgical centre and training facilities.
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[This YouTube video shows Orbis at work aboard the current DC-10-10. Truly a wonderful organization. -Ed.]