Four of the five 787 test jets are undergoing remote operations this week, taking advantage of extreme temperatures in some cases and simulating them in others, Boeing Co. officials said. The first 787 is in Roswell, N.M., undergoing wet-runway testing, including simulating rejected takeoffs. The second 787 is undergoing high-latitude and cold-weather testing at Keflavik Airport in Iceland. “We’ve been watching for the right weather conditions for some time,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “The team was happy to see the forecast in Iceland met our needs and we deployed to Keflavik earlier this week.” The hot weather in Yuma, Ariz., with temperatures in excess of 100 degrees has provided the necessary conditions for another set of tests on the third 787. The fourth 787 has spent an extended time operating out of Victorville, Calif., undergoing flight loads survey testing. It will also test in Glasgow, Mont., after it wraps up its California testing. Artificial ice shapes have been affixed to the leading edges of the wings and horizontal and vertical stabilizer of the fifth 787 to complete another group of tests required for certification, said Lori Gunter of Boeing.
Gas prices higher for 2010 Labor Day
The AAA auto club says drivers hitting the road this Labor Day weekend in Washington will find gasoline prices 14 cents a gallon higher than they were this time last year. The club reports prices in Washington on Thursday averaged $3.06 a gallon, compared to $2.92 a year ago. It’s also 39 cents higher than the national average, $2.67, but down two cents in the past month in Washington. Some prices around the state from the AAA survey: Bellingham $3.12, Bremerton $3.03, Seattle-Bellevue-Everett $3.05, Tacoma $2.97, Olympia $3.02, Vancouver $2.99, Yakima $3.09, Tri-Cities $3.12, Spokane $3.06.
Tentative labor pact for Harley union
Harley-Davidson Motor Co. and its union leaders have reached a proposed labor agreement that would keep manufacturing operations in Wisconsin that have 1,340 active employees. The company declined to reveal Friday the terms of the proposed contract. Spokesman Bob Klein says it includes “competitive” compensation, and it gives the company the flexibility it needs to remain competitive. Workers are expected to vote on the proposed contract Sept. 13.
Kodak settles class action suit
A federal judge Friday approved Eastman Kodak Co.’s $21.4 million offer to settle class-action lawsuits by black employees who maintained white counterparts were favored over them for pay and promotion. In an almost seven-year legal tussle, U.S. Magistrate Jonathan Feldman signed off on a deal that pays about 3,000 current and past Kodak workers amounts ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. The decision ends a 2004 class-action lawsuit.
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