MD-82
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
After takeoff I noticed the cabin did not pressurize. Checked and confirmed: Cabin ALT Control lever in auto; both packs on; checked L/R Pneumatic Pressure gauges. Both indicated zero. Pressurization flow light came on. Leveled off at 5;000 feet; asked for a heading. Completed QRH checklist. Unable to pressurize. Declared an emergency. Burned off some fuel. Completed checklists and communicated with flight attendants; passengers; Operations and Dispatch. Landed overweight at 140;000 lbs. Day VFR; dry runway; 8 KTS headwind. Normal descent rate; smooth touchdown; brakes stayed cool. Communicated with ARFF. Emergency vehicles followed the aircraft per their procedure. Debriefed Maintenance; Dispatch; and DC-9 fleet Captain; First Officer and cabin crew did an excellent job.
MD-82 Captain reported loss of cabin pressurization after takeoff. Emergency was declared and flight returned to departure airport.