Aviation News Item: 00799

5th May 2009

Source: ubmaviationnews.com

Boeing has announced it has moved the 787 prototype (ZA001) to the flight line for the "next phase of extensive checks" before the aircraft's first flight, which is scheduled to take place in the current quarter. Fuel testing will be the first part of this check phase, which is to be concluded with final systems checks and high-speed taxi tests. In recent weeks, ZA001 completed a series of tests including build verification tests, structures and systems integration tests, landing gear swings and factory gauntlet, which is a full simulation of the first flight using the actual aircraft. With chief pilot Mike Carriker at the controls, the simulation tested all flight controls, hardware and software. Boeing also said that all structural tests required on the static airframe prior to first flight are now complete. "We continue to analyse the data, but the initial results are positive," said Scott Fancher, VP and GM of the 787 programme. Ground vibration testing, which measures the aircraft's response to flutter, are to be concluded on the second flight-test aircraft, ZA002, at the end of this week.

More Aviation News...