The final chapter of the 21st Century Jet saga brings us to preparations for the 777s entry into service in May 1995. This episode details all of the hoops a new commercial aircraft must jump through as readies for its official hand off to United Airlines. As you’ll see, the first 777, LN7 – N777UA, had a few kinks (IFE) still left to be worked out as it entered service between London and Dulles. The most impressive part of this episode is watching the 777 as it qualifies for ETOPS (engines turn or passengers swim) certification at entry into service.
In addition, the last of five parts also features the famous wing break of the static test airframe and the spectacular imagery that accompanied it.
Episode V: Countdown to Delivery
Watch the previous four episodes:
Episode I: To Design a Plane
Episode II: The Sum of Its Parts
Episode III: A Plane Takes Shape
Episode IV: Taking 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.