The latest Boeing 737 variant, the extended-range -900ER, made its first flight from Renton, Washington last week. The 1 September flight lasted 1h 45min, landing at Boeing Field in Seattle. The flight marks the beginning of a five-month test programme to obtain US Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency certification for the 737-900ER by early 2007. "It was a near-flawless flight," says Boeing test pilot Ray Craig. Airworthiness, aerodynamic performance, stability and cruise performance were tested, as were flight controls, the autopilot, pressurisation, avionics, air conditioning systems and the flight management computer. Two aircraft will accrue a combined 235h of flight and 210h of static ground testing. Both will be delivered next year to 737-900ER launch customer Lion Air.
Source: Flight International
