The Boeing 787 has just taken off making its first flight ever from Paine Field in Everett, WA. 

Track its flight HERE.

Edit #01:  Depending on the weather, this flight may be cut short.  Currently it is scheduled for 5 hours with the initial circuit being north of Everett, Washington.  However, with weather closing in, the flight could be cut short at any time.  The 787 will be landing at Boeing Field when it does return.

Edit #02:  A few moments ago (It’s 1:18pm CST), Flightaware.com showed the 787 slowing to just 87 kts (100mph) and then speeding up again, slowly, to nearly 200kts.  Ordinarily, I’d be inclined to think that speed reading a fluke.  Today, I think they really did slow it down that much.  I can only imagine what it must be like to be the test pilot that takes those chances with an aircraft that cost billions (with a “B”) to develop on its first flight.

Edit #03:  The 787 is flying patterns that take it over I-5 over and over again at relatively low altitude.  Anyone traveling on that highway may be getting quite a surprise now and then.

Edit #04:  Boeing is now saying that the 787 may land in about 30 minutes.   This would result in a 2.5 hours first flight and given the weather, a complete success.

Edit #05:  The 787 has nosed towards the south and should make a long loop heading south to approach Boeing Field from the south and land.

Edit #06:  Matt Cawby’s website has a photo of the 787 Dreamliner lifting off in the rain HERE.

Edit #07:  The 787 Dreamliner has landed at Boeing Field now.  There is a rumour that the second aircraft, ZA002, will fly on or about December 22.

Edit #08:  You can watch a short video clip of the 787 taking off HERE.  Notice the wing flex and the chase plane that flies right above/beside the 787 as it rotates.

Filed under: Aircraft Development, Airline News by ajax
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