Airbus May Be Exploiting Longer-Than-Expected Training Times

Boeing had three years of issues delay the 787 Dreamliner's introduction, but finally delivered the first one to launch customer All Nippon Airways a few weeks ago. But that doesn't mean the challenges of the world's first all-composite airliner are done.

Despite training which started months in advance of the first delivery, ANA pilot are reportedly taking more time to train to fly the Dreamliner than either the airline or Boeing imagined would be necessary. Airbus is not missing the opportunity to point this out.

Airbus touts as a major feature the commonalities among its various planes, shortening the transition training time for pilots moving between models to ad little as two or three costly days of downtime. Boeing had predicted on the order of five days for its new plane. But the Wall Street Journal reports ANA is finding that its pilots are needing as much as five weeks to be ready to fly the 787. Hundreds of the planes are on order from other carriers.

Without specifically slamming the Dreamliner, Airbus sales personnel are reportedly emphasizing the shorter transition times as a competitive advantage for their product line.

ANA is reportedly known for its very conservative approach to training. Other airlines may come closer to Boeing's estimate. United Continental Holdings is reportedly planning 11 days.

Training isn't the only challenge facing ANA and its new 787s. Reuters reports the airline and Boeing are looking into what's being called the first technical glitch reported since the new jetliner entered service less than two weeks ago. On an approach to Tokyo's Haneda Airport Sunday, the crew got an indication that the jet's landing gear had not properly engaged. The landing was aborted so the pilot could manually lower the gear.

According to USA Today, the BBC reports a "hydraulic valve fault" was to blame. Boeing's Lori Gunter told The Associated Press, "We are aware of this matter and are on-site in Japan with ANA offering whatever assistance they require. Maintenance was conducted and the airplane has returned to service."

FMI: www.boeing.com ; www.ana.co.jp