The installation of the wing fix for the first 787 – ZA001 – is now complete, with program sources telling FlightBlogger that flight test
schedules have readjusted to target late December for first flight just
before Christmas.
Boeing declined to confirm the completion of the installation but says
that “we are satisfied with the progress being made with the
modifications and are on-track to fly before the end of the year.”
As part of the Z18 program schedule, Boeing initially targeted late November for first flight, but the on going pace of engineering design, the availability of the machined fittings, and the installation of the wing fix has slid 787 first flight roughly a month.
The latest target holds 787 first flight within Boeing’s latest revised target of flying by the close of 2009.
Sources also indicate that the wing fix is slated to undergo full-scale
testing on the static airframe is currently slated for late-November. Once complete, Boeing engineers will study the results to validate the wing fix and clear ZA001 to begin its certification campaign.
Additionally, as a result of the completion, ZA001 restoration work is scheduled to begin today in Everett.
Restoration consists of a thorough cleaning, re-installation of systems and complete panel close out.
Once restoration is complete, what remains unknown is if ZA001 will stay in the paint hangar while ZY997 undergoes final validation or return to the flight line to re-start preparation for first flight.
This post was originally published to the internet between 2007 and 2012. Links, images, and embedded media from that era may no longer function as intended.
This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.