FAA Sanctioned Test Flights Resume

Over the weekend Boeing performed a successful test flight with one of its 787 test flight aircraft as part of the ongoing investigation into the Dreamliner's APU battery issues. Test flights with the 787 were authorized Thursday by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and DOT Secretary Ray LaHood.

The flight departed from Boeing Field at 12:32 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, Feb. 9, with a crew of 13 onboard (Boeing pilots and flight test personnel). The flight lasted 2 hours and 19 minutes, landing back at Boeing Field at 2:51 p.m. Pacific time. The crew reports that the flight was uneventful.

During the flight, the crew monitored the performance of the main and APU batteries. Special equipment onboard ZA005, which is currently the only member of the Boeing 787 flight test fleet in service, allowed the crew to observe and record detailed battery performance in normal flight conditions. Because the flight was part of the ongoing investigation no other detailshave been released.

Meanwhile Boeing has begun to alert customers to possible delays in upcoming Dreamliner deliveries as the investigation drags on. Norwegian is the first customer to be alerted having been told by Boeing that their first Dreamliners - due to be delivered in April and June, could be delayed. Boeing has not announced a new delivery date or given a written confirmation of a potential delay.

FMI: www.boeing.com