Those surprised by the reactions to "flying it off" may not realize that the wing loading of an MD-82 is about nine times higher than on a Cessna 172 (595 kg/sqm vs. 67 kg/sqm). So not only does the MD-82 need an almost three times faster airspeed to lift off, it is also much more dependent on its high-lift devices. Imagine a C172 with a wingspan of 2 metres and you get the idea.
