FAA cleared to join Boeing on 747-8 Freighter flights

Published 12:56 pm Monday, June 14, 2010

The Boeing Co.’s 747-8 Freighter has reached an important milestone in flight testing, the company said Monday.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration gave Boeing its type inspection authorization for the company’s new freighter on June 11. This clears the way for allowing members of the FAA to accompany Boeing on test flights for the 747-8.

“The airplane is performing well in the tests. We have demonstrated the airplane’s readiness to move onto the next stage in the flight-test program through tests at a variety of speeds, altitudes and configurations,” said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager for the 747 program.

During this phase of testing, the extremes of the flight envelope are explored. Testing conditions include operations in hot and cold weather as well as takeoffs and landings at high-altitude airports. In addition, over-speed conditions, hard landings and engine-out conditions are tested.

“The airplane is handling beautifully,” said Mark Feuerstein, 747 program chief pilot. “It is a joy to fly.”

Boeing plans to deliver the first 747-8 Freighter later this year. The company recently announced that it was adding a fourth test aircraft to the flight program.

Also today, Boeing announced that it has started assembly on its passenger plane.