Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Air Transport World: Boeing targetting end of November 2010 for first 787 delivery to ANA

According to Geoffrey Thomas of Air Transport World, Boeing is saying that first delivery to ANA is on track for the end of November. Further, he reports that the FAA will issue the TIA (Type Inspection Authorization) for the 787 this week. I had reported that it should be forthcoming today and I am still awaiting word on that.

Geoffrey Thomas : Boeing says 787 flight test program on track for November first delivery

Yesterday, Boeing reported that it had completed the first 787 maintenance training class for ANA maintenance personnel. The class consisted of 10 mechanics who will be maintaining the 787 as well as 2 regulator from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau. Here's Boeing's press release:

News Release Issued: April 6, 2010 5:27 PM EDT

Boeing Completes First 787 Dreamliner Maintenance Training Class

EVERETT, Wash., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced that it has completed the first maintenance training class for the 787 Dreamliner. The class consisted of 10 mechanics from 787 launch customer ANA (All Nippon Airways) and two regulators from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

The mechanics, who completed the training last week, are the first of 150 ANA mechanics to be trained by Boeing over the next seven months. They spent more than 30 days learning how to maintain the world's most advanced commercial jetliner, including 20 days of theoretical training, two days of engine runs and taxi testing, five days of practical training and five days of troubleshooting exercises. To conclude the training, students conducted component identification exams on production airplanes, as well as troubleshooting exams in the full flight simulator.

To support the all-new 787, Boeing Training & Flight Services, a division of Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, has developed an all-digital, Internet-based teaching system for maintenance training, along with training tools that connect real-time to a virtual airplane and airplane systems.

"Getting our mechanics trained and prepared is essential to being ready to take delivery of the airplane later this year," said Michihide Kono, vice president of Engineering and Maintenance for ANA. "This is an important milestone for our ANA team and we are delighted to see the continued progress on the program."

The curriculum is designed to focus on performance-based training that incorporates real-world simulated maintenance scenarios for a more immersive training experience.

"The use of personal tablet computers, interactive computer-based training,
three-dimensional images and desktop simulation makes it possible to deliver training more efficiently," said Sherry Carbary, vice president of Boeing Training & Flight Services, Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our team is committed to providing our customers with the resources and tools they need to be successful."

The 787 comes with digital tools and databases that replace volumes of printed materials. The graphic and textual database has point-and-click features for more details, allowing mechanics to navigate through documents quickly to get the information they need to do their jobs.

"This milestone is another important step along the way to being service-ready," said Mike Fleming, director of 787 Services and Support, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our goal is to make entry into service a seamless experience for our customers."

Fifty-seven customers around the world have ordered 866 787s since the program was launched in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history. Delivery of the first 787 is planned for the fourth quarter of 2010.

1 comment:

Uresh said...

I'm not sure where they would do the cold soak test but they could do it in South America during the July-August-September time frame. There would be plenty of locations to conduct the cold soak test. It will be cold somewhere in the world when they decide to do the testing.