Special thanks to Liz Matzelle for taking this video.
Dreamliner One doesn't look like she's quite ready to fly yet. But if you compare what you see here to April, then you can see the forward progress made. Clearly, there's still work to be done, but ZA001 is becoming an airplane.
on January 3, 2009 11:21 AM | Reply
Hey,Dodo 1 really did move! What a miracle! I noticed that the engines are back on. Must have finally got that fillet relief problem fixed. Looks like the horizontal stabilizers are in the same position that they were in back in August '08. Heard from several people that there are problems with it. You ever wonder what other problems there are with the 7-late-7 that haven't reared it's ugly head yet?
on January 3, 2009 11:39 AM | Reply
Well she looks worse for wear in comparison to the April pics (IMO). OK she's got the engines and the nose cone - wooopeee !!! but the amount of rework is obvious, she will certainly need a new paint job.
What was the problem with the pax doors all are back to primer, in April they were painted. The tail has significant panels removed, in April it was almost complete, the lower wing surfaces as well are depanelled much more than in April, are you sure you haven't got the photos mixed up (Joking).
She looked great on the rollout ceremony, but how time takes its toll when you lay around and have problems.
Well let's hope that this is not just more than making room for another frame and that real progress has been made inside were we can't see.
on January 3, 2009 1:38 PM | Reply
From what I recall, one of the major tasks they knew was still ahead of them after the official rollout was installing all of the flight testing sensors and systems. That would require accessing pretty much every area of the aircraft, which could explain why so much of her is still opened up. At least, I hope that's why she's looking worse now than before ;)
on January 3, 2009 6:36 PM | Reply
The number one's first flight will be the hottest topic at Le Bourget this year.
Vero Venia
on January 4, 2009 1:55 AM | Reply
No offense, but 2 years with Boeing doesn't mean much, considering they have an entire parking lot at the Everett factory dedicated *only* to people who have been with Boeing for over 25 years... Plus, Boeing is a HUGE company, one of the largest in the world in manpower alone, which means you can work for or with Boeing and be doing just about any job you can imagine. There are Boeing employees who flip burgers at the cafeteria, Boeing employees who empty the trash cans at midnight every night, and Boeing employees who do nothing but sit around processing expense reports. In other words... saying you are an "insider" at Boeing just because you have worked for them for 2 years is kinda like saying you're a football star because you're human. To be honest with you, I get more up-to-date and more accurate information from this blog than I ever have from Boeing's own internal news services. And speaking of news services... how is it news to any normal person when an airplane moves from one hangar to another? It's not, normal people don't care, that's why the local news outlets haven't said much of anything about it. They've got much better uses of their airtime, such as the latest Christmas toys that have proven to be choking hazards, etc. Sorry if this seems like a little bit of a rant, just trying to set a few things straight ;)
on January 4, 2009 3:44 AM | Reply
"Just wondering" you truly are a flog, you have been with the company a whole two years 'wow' If your so unhappy at boeing which clearly you are, why do you stay there. Back on the topic I really enjoy your updates jon, keep up the good work atleast someone is reporting on the developments, however big or small with the 787 program. Any progress is still progress and I hope that the fillet relief issue is under control. I would also like to add that maybe some comments should be moderated as very very personal and intimidating remarks and attacks are not meant for this forum IMHO.
on January 4, 2009 6:16 AM | Reply
jw
Ever wondered why great people don't need those words to express themselves? Hope you grow up soon . . .
on January 4, 2009 6:25 AM | Reply
Year end discussions around good food and wine with friends and family have let me with two questions about the 787. May be some people reading this blog have answers.
Are they some additional certification test planned to make sure than a lightning strike cannot shut down the electrical cabin pressurization?
Hasn't the full electrical generation replacing the bleed air system brought some nasty cooling issues?
on January 4, 2009 7:32 AM | Reply
Hey Jon, how about you more actively vet the comments? Letting vitriolic personal attacks through lowers the tone a bit - if I wanted that I'd read the comments on YouTube.
on January 4, 2009 2:44 PM | Reply
Hey all,
Here's the thing, I don't like censoring comments, I think that significantly takes away from the open dialogue that goes on here.
Yet, I will say this loud and clear and only once. This is NOT a place for personal vitriol and name calling. I can take my knocks just fine, but I would remind everyone here that this is a respectful environment. Though in an effort to maintain the integrity of this space, I will block anyone from commenting permanently if the inappropriate comments continue.
Up until now there hasn't been an issue with comments, and it's unfortunate that I even have to say this. I won't hesitate to ban anyone if this continues.
This is the last I'll mention it.
Best,
Jon
on January 5, 2009 8:54 AM | Reply
It is very clear that Dreamliner 1 has been worked on extensively. It is also clear from the presentation of the aircraft that Engineering/Programs is very much to the fore and that PR/Marketing/Commercial is in the back seat.
The re-shuffle of the team around a new supplier management organisation is a reflection of Boeing's new status as "aircraft integrator" rather than manufacturer. With sales to Asia depending on such agreements, Boeing is having to learn fast how to manage such a high degree of outsourcing.
Comments concerning the potential for further so-far-unannounced problems for the program would appear valid given rumours concerning the Trent 1000, weight-saving initiatives and the integration of so much new technology on the type. I am expecting a further delay announcement - but hoping that there won't be one.