Following a test program with 929 flights covering 1,551 hours , the DC-10 received its type certificate from the FAA on July 29 , 1971 . It entered commercial service with American Airlines on August 5 , 1971 on a round trip flight between Los Angeles and Chicago .
Following a flight test program with 929 flights covering 1,551 hours , the DC-10 was awarded a type certificate from the FAA on July 29 , 1971 It entered commercial service with American Airlines on August 5 , 1971 on a round trip flight between Los Angeles and Chicago .