Boeing Issues Press Release about 787 Taxi Tests

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This just out from Boeing a moment ago:

News Release Issued: December 12, 2009 9:16 PM EST

Boeing Completes 787 Dreamliner High-Speed Taxi Test

EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) completed high-speed taxi tests on the first 787 Dreamliner today. This is the last in a series of functional tests planned in preparation for first flight.

"Our pilots told me the airplane performed beautifully," said Mike Delaney, vice president and chief project engineer for the 787. "We're going through and analyzing the data to ensure we're ready for first flight. From evaluations we've done so far, everything looks good."

During the testing, the airplane reached a top speed of approximately 130 knots (150 mph, 240 kph), and the pilots lifted the nose gear from the pavement. Video highlights of the taxi testing will be available by the end of the day Monday at www.boeing.com and www.newairplane.com.

Taxi test is the last testing planned before first flight.

So now Boeing has completed all testing prior to first flight and have offically set Tuesday, Dec. 15th at 10AM for first flight. My guess that Boeing will get final approval from the FAA after meeting with them and then they go fly. Till then they'll probably be going over the data gather from today's tests. Only the weather is the concern for first flight. Checking http://www.weather.com/ the forecast are as follows:

Sunday, Dec. 13 - Mostly Cloudy, 34H/30L, 20% chance of precip
Monday, Dec. 14 - Few Snow Showers, 37H/32L, 30% chance of precip
Tuesday, Dec. 15 - Showers, 43H/42L, 40% chance of precip
Wednesday, Dec. 16 - Rain, 50H/47L, 70% chance of precip
Thursday, Dec. 17 - Light Rain, 51H/51L, 70% chance of precip
Friday, Dec. 18 - Showers, 52H/44L, 40% chance of precip
Saturday, Dec. 19 - Few Showers, 46H/43L, 30% chance of precip