Boeing will restart 787 certification operations, the first of three major milestones slated for 17 January, say programme sources.
Currently based in Yuma, Arizona, 787 test aircraft ZA004 will re-launch Federal Aviation Administration certification operations for the type with a validation of the fuel jettison system. This will be the first flight test for certification credit since ZA002's 9 November fire that placed the regulatory validation of Boeing's new flagship on hold.
Monday will also feature the first flight of a production 787, ZA102, the ninth 787, which wears a white fuselage and an All Nippon Airways tail. The aircraft has been re-registered at N1006F, formerly N6066Z, and will fly a standard B-1 production flight from the company's Everett, Washington facility and includes a checkout of the airworthiness of the aircraft and the actuation of the landing gear. This is the seventh 787 to fly since the flight test program began on 15 December 2009.
While it is first slated for a shakedown of all its systems, ZA102 will join the test fleet for the extended twin engine operations (ETOPS) certification before it is delivered to ANA. ZA101, the eighth 787, will primarily operate as a ground test aircraft for the system functionality and reliability testing as part of the ETOPS certification effort.
Lastly, the formerly fire-stricken ZA002 is also expected to rejoin the test fleet Monday with a checkout of the electronic engine control system from Boeing Field in Seattle.
Boeing has yet to announce a revised schedule for first delivery to ANA.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
