787's path to first flight detailed

FlightBlogger: By Jon Ostrower

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner program has had five first flight dates set, but a timeline for key program milestones has now emerged that outlines a grueling testing gauntlet to first flight in late April, sources tell FlightBlogger.

Starting late on 2 January, Dreamliner One will depart its home in Building 40-26 and make the short trip to an open slot on the 767 line in Building 40-24. ZA001 will occupy the spot currently held by ZY998, the fatigue airframe, which will be moved to the flight line prior to the start of fatigue testing.

Dreamliner One will undergo three gauntlet test phases that will eventually culminate in first flight by late April – nearly two years after the first sections for ZA001 arrived at the Everett factory.