January 9th	The first fuselage section arrives from Convair in San Diego.
February 1st	The first wing set is delivered from DAC of Canada.
February 23rd	Air Afrique orders 3+2 DC-10-30, becoming the first african costumer for the DC-10.
March 2nd	First flight of the CF6-6 engine (powerplant of the DC-10-10) on a B52 aircraft from Edward Air Force Base.
March 30th	All fuselage sections and the wing of the first DC-10 were joined in Long Beach.
June 15th	Alitalia orders 4+6 DC-10-30.
July	Continental Airlines orders 8 DC-10-10. This was the last order before the official roll-out.
July 23rd	Roll-out ceremony at Long Beach.
July 30th	Air New Zealand orders 3 DC-10-30 and places a single option.
August 8th	SABENA orders 2 DC-10-30F(CF). This was the last order before the maiden flight.
August 29th	Maiden flight of the first DC-10, 46500/ 1, from Long Beach to Edwards AFB (3h 26 min.).
September 29th	Lufthansa announces a letter of intent for an order for 4 DC-10-30.
October 24th	The second aircraft (actually the third to be built) enters flight development program.
November 18th	Airkapital orders 2 DC-10-10s for german charter operator Atlantis. The airline went bankrupt before delivery.