The Airbus A380 could take to the air as early as next week, if final pre-flight check-outs by the flight-test team go well, and the Toulouse weather co-operates.
A380 MSN001 was handed over to Airbus's flight-test division last week when it was moved to the flight line, following the completion of post-production checks and the installation of flight-rated equipment. Airbus says the A380 will now undergo final engine runs, before starting taxi tests and low-speed accelerate/stop checks. These will be followed by a high-speed run to take-off speed and a stop, with the first flight likely to follow one to two days later.
Airbus says that the A380 should fly in "the second half of April", with the final deciding factor being the weather. The manufacturer is believed to be targeting a flight as early as next week, kicking off a four aircraft, 2,000h flight-test programme for the initial Rolls-Royce Trent 900-powered version.
A six-member test flightcrew will be on board for the first flight, headed by pilots Claude Lelaie, senior vice-president flight division, and chief test pilot Jacques Rosay. Four engineers will be on board – flight test engineer Fernando Alonso, who is vice-president of Airbus's flight-test division, as well as Jacky Joye, Manfred Birnfeld and Gérard Desbois.
Source: Flight International
