Where will you watch the 787’s first flight?
Published 11:03 am Friday, December 11, 2009
In four days, the Boeing Co. could fly its 787 Dreamliner for the first time.
Boeing announced yesterday that it could put the delayed 787 in the air as early as 10 a.m., Dec. 15, weather permitting.
And the company is making it easy on people who want to watch the much-anticipated event. Boeing will begin a live Web cast 24 hours prior to first flight. You can access the Web cast at the company’s home page or at its New Airplane Web page.
Boeing is allowing employees to come out and watch the jet take off from Everett’s Paine Field or land at Seattle’s Boeing Field, said Yvonne Leach, spokeswoman for the 787 program. Employees also can watch the Web cast.
Beside the Web cast, the public has a few options for watching the 787 take off at Paine Field.
The Future of Flight will host a VIP party on its Strato Deck and in the gallery below for donors who have given $250 to the aviation center’s foundation. To receive a ticket to the event, which includes a parking pass, you need to make the donation at least a day in advance of first flight. Spots are still available this morning, said Sandy Ward, spokeswoman for the Future of Flight.
The gallery and deck will be closed to the public until the 787 has taken off on the day of first flight. But the Future of Flight lobby, its café and gift shops will be open to the public. And up to 242 people can watch the 787’s first flight in the center’s theater for free.
Of course, 787 enthusiasts likely will swamp the Future of Flight’s parking lot and knoll looking out onto Paine Field. However, parking is limited and the parking lot will not be open to the public until 6:30 a.m., the day of first flight.
Also of note, the Future of Flight will give away two VIP tickets to the event. For details on how to register, visit the center’s special events Web page.
