FAA gives initial OK on 787 pilot training courses

Boeing has been given provisional approval by the FAA for its 787 pilot training courses.

Pilots who take the courses devised by Boeing can qualify to fly the 787 in five to 20 days. Pilots already certified on Boeing’s 777 can qualify to fly the 787 in as few as five days given the similarities between the two planes.

“Gaining FAA approval for our courses is a significant milestone as we ramp up to the start of flight training,” said Mark Albert, director of Simulator Services and 787 Training Program, Boeing Training &Flight Services. “It validates our approach to provide world-class training solutions at great value for the 787 Dreamliner.”

Boeing is hoping to deliver its first 787 by year’s end. The Dreamliner is more than two years behind schedule. Recently, Boeing officials have indicated the 787 delivery date could slide into early 2011.