Boeing announces the completion of 787 type certification testing

ZA102 returning to Everett...Boeing Photo

Today Boeing announced that they have completed type certification for the 787-8.

The final F&R test flight was conducted on Saturday and they will now submit all remaining type certification paperwork to the FAA for their review and the issuance of type certification for the Trent powered 787.

Boeing says that testing will continue for type certification of the GEnx powered 787 as well as to complete Boeing test points (which are not needed for type certification or delivery). Issuance of the final type certification is now expected by the end of the month with deliveries to start next month.

What is still unclear is how many 787s will be delivered to customers this year as the number of 787s needing re-work continues to grow at Everett. The later assembled aircraft do need less rework then the ones produced in the last 2-3 years but the number of jobs still needing to be done is still significant.

Here's a Boeing video on the completion of type certification testing:

And here's Boeing's press release:

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Completes Flight Testing for Type Certification

EVERETT, Wash., Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) completed all flight tests required for type certification of the 787-8 Dreamliner with Rolls-Royce engines this weekend. The all-new jetliner is bringing unprecedented levels of fuel economy, maintenance cost improvements, and environmental sensitivity to the marketplace through the use of new technologies including composites, more-electric systems, advanced aerodynamics and the latest advancements in propulsion.

"We are very pleased with the performance of the airplane during the Function & Reliability and Extended Operations testing over the last month," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "The Dreamliner continues to demonstrate that we will indeed deliver a truly revolutionary airplane that will be a game changer in the marketplace."

The final flight occurred Saturday onboard ZA102, the ninth 787 to be built. Capt. Mike Carriker, chief pilot for the 787 program, brought ZA102 back to its home base at Paine Field in Everett at 1:58 p.m. (Pacific time) following a 90 minute flight that originated in Billings, Mont. During the flight, the 14-person crew completed simulations of a dispatch with a failed generator and failed fuel flow indication.

"When ZA102 returned to Paine Field, it brought back with it the hopes and dreams of the many thousands of men and women of Boeing and our global partners who have worked so long for this day," Fancher said. "Their hard work and commitment to
this amazing airplane has been a true inspiration. We look forward to making our first delivery to our good friends at ANA in September."

Video highlights of 787 flight testing can be found at: http://youtu.be/9yRmwGMNuDo

Flight testing continues for 787s with GE engines and for Boeing test points not related to certification.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner features a wide array of passenger amenities including
larger windows, cleaner air, higher humidity and a lower cabin altitude.