Boeing has commenced "final phase" of 787 flight test program

Boeing said it has started function and reliability testing and ETOPS demonstrations on the 787, noting it is entering the "final phase of flight testing prior to certification of the airplane."

VP and GM-787 Program Scott Fancher said, "The team has created a solid plan for accomplishing the hours and test points required for F&R and ETOPS testing in support of delivery to our customer ANA in the August to September time period."

F&R testing "simulates various normal and non-normal operations for the airplane, in a realistic airline-like flight environment," the manufacturer explained. "During ETOPS demonstrations the company validates the airplane's ability to safely divert for a variety of reasons, including long diversions with one engine shut down."

ANA is scheduled to conduct Dreamliner service readiness trials in Japan next week.

(Aaron Karp - ATWOnline News)