Engine problems ground 787 test jet

Published 2:28 pm Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Boeing Co. has grounded a test jet because it needs to replace its Rolls-Royce engine. Here’s a story from the Associated Press.

The Boeing Co. reported that it has grounded one of the new 787s it is testing because of an engine problem.

Boeing said the plane was getting ready for takeoff in Roswell, N.M., when its engine surged.

Spokeswoman Yvonne Leach said the crew and the plane were not in any danger. Rolls-Royce sent a new engine that was being installed on the plane today.

She says it’s too soon to know how soon the plane will fly again, or if the 787 testing schedule will be affected.

Boeing has six of the planes in flight tests and is aiming to deliver the 787 early next year, when it will be more than two years late.

The issue was reported earlier today by the trade publication Aviation Week.