A Boeing 747-8F has been photographed performing three touch-and-go circuits followed by a full-stop landing at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway.
According to FlightAware.com, N747EX (RC522) arrived at Gateway from Palmdale at 9:26 am MDT on 21 June.
Boeing had moved the flight test aircraft from Seattle to Palmdale in April as part of the envelope expansion portion of the flight test program, which now includes three flight test aircraft. A fourth test aircraft will be used for certain tests in July.
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Boeing earlier this month received expanded type inspection authorisation (TIA) for the 747-8, allowing the airframer to carry US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors onboard as the envelop expansion for the 747 successor continues with hot and cold temperature extremes as well as takeoffs and landings at high altitude airports.
First delivery of a 747-8F is expected in the fourth quarter to Cargolux.
Source: Flight International
