ATW Daily News

First 787 to roll out for repaint in February, fly in April

Monday December 22, 2008

Boeing 787 watchers will see some "action" at the Everett plant by mid-to-late February, insiders say, with word from the factory floor indicating that the first aircraft, ZA001, will have all fastener issues resolved by the end of this month and will be rolled out for repainting at the end of February.

Repainting should be completed by March 2 and the aircraft turned over to flight testing. According to sources, Boeing has penciled first flight in for late April (ATWOnline, Dec. 12). The second flight test aircraft is expected to have fastener work completed by the middle of February, but apparently it will not fly until late July.

While first flight appears to be firming by the day, the certification program could be slowed by completion of the balance of the flight test aircraft. Boeing's original plan called for a compressed 10-month program with five aircraft, but it is not clear how quickly it can get those aircraft into the air.

However, the delay has given the company the opportunity to be well ahead on the balance of the certification program, 80% of which does not involve flight testing. Also, unlike other aircraft programs, Boeing and US FAA have agreed on all issues relating to 787 certification. The manufacturer is planning to brief analysts and media on Jan. 28 when it announces its full-year 2008 results.

by Geoffrey Thomas

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