787 tagged posts

The first Jumbo Jet, Boeing’s model 747, garnered its launch order from Pan American World Airways in April of 1966. The design for the largest commercial jet transport (up to that time), hadn’t even been frozen for production yet. It has been said that Pan Am was able to influence parts of the new design while it was still on the drawing boards. The prototype finally flew on February 9, 1969, and was introduced into service by Pan Am some eleven months later, on January 22, 1970.

Originally, what ultimately became the 747 design was a response to a large military transport aircraft competition that was advertised in May, 1964. The CX-LHS winner was Lockheed’s C-5A Galaxy, but Boeing retained much of their design idea in a commercial passenger jet proposal. During Boeing’s 50th Anniversary year (1966), the first orders were inked. This year (2016), Boeing just celebrated its 100th anniversary… how time flies!

On April 19, 2013, the FAA approved a new design for the 787’s lithium-ion battery system. This comes just over three months after all 50 of the jets were grounded world wide for flaws in the battery system. It was determined that the original design would pose a fire risk.

The Japanese authorities cleared ANA and Japan Airlines, who together own about half of the 50 Dreamliners flying, last week to return their jets back into service. Both airlines will conduct more tests to ensure that the battery modifications will solve the overheating issues that plagued two jets back in January 2013. The Japanese carriers will also add battery monitoring into the flight deck. ANA said that it would resume operations after all 17 of its planes are repaired...

MESA, Ariz., May 25, 2010 – The Boeing 787 Dream liner made its first landing at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport this weekend. The fourth 787 to be built, ZA004, is undergoing a short series of tests that require a combination of hot weather and low-altitude conditions...