Boeing is "on track" to achieve certification of the 717-200 on 1 September after completion of the flight test programme at its Yuma test site in Arizona. This will allow deliveries to begin next month to launch customer AirTran Airways, which has begun training crews.
The 717 is set to become the first commercial aircraft certificated under the "concurrent and co-operative" programme under which both the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Joint Aviation Authorities agreed in advance on the basis for certificating the aircraft for revenue service.
The concurrent scheme was devised to speed up the harmonisation process between the two airworthiness groups, and was intended to counter many of the last-minute hurdles that plagued the MD-90 and Next Generation 737 programmes.
Two of the three aircraft involved in the test programme have now been "decommissioned", and are being refurbished for delivery. Boeing will retain the first prototype in flight-ready status to support follow-on certification activities.
The FAA has awarded the 717 the same pilot type rating as the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, from which it is derived.
The first 717-200 full-motion simulator, built by FlightSafety Boeing Training International, has received FAA qualification and AirTran pilots have begun training as the carrier prepares to introduce the aircraft into service.
Source: Flight International
