FLightglobal: B747-8F & B787 1st flights simultaneously?

[DHG750R]

Boeing ready to handle simultaneous first flights of 787 and 747-8
By Brendan Sobie

Boeing has decoupled the flight test programmes for the 787 and 747-8, allowing the two new aircraft to potentially take to the skies for the first time simultaneously.

The 787 and 747-8 are both now scheduled to have first flight during the fourth quarter, most likely the second half of November or first half of December. To avoid having to slow down one flight test programme to keep another on schedule, Boeing has taken the unprecedented step of entirely separating the two flight test programmes and allocating each with a dedicated set of equipment and resources.

[DHG750R]

According to Matt's info http://kpae.blogspot.com/

Mark your calendars, N787BA and 747-8 N747EX are both scheduled to attempt B1 flights on December 22.

Also, FlightGlobal is also saying The static test airframe has passed the 2C test which brought about the latest round of delays and modification for the 787.

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/fligh ... s-cru.html

[hiss srq]

Wow, talk about a two for one deal on that trip.

[Ychocky]

That would be cool. But. I'll wait to see it.

[Midnight Mike]

If it happens, my arse will be there, camera in hand!

[hiss srq]

I am planning on being there. Just waiting for a final peice or two to fit the puzzle to confirm.

[Matt Molnar]

Keep in mind that Dec. 22nd date was never announced officially. Flightblogger is now reporting N787BA could fly as soon as Dec. 14th.

[jerslice]

Keep in mind that Dec. 22nd date was never announced officially.

There's the key folks.

Most of us locals in Seattle are taking it with a grain of salt.

In addition, I'm really surprised the 787 and 748 are possibly flying the same day - word on the street with the locals is that Boeing doesn't have the chaseplanes to do it...the 2 T33's would likely go with the 787 and the 2 T38's don't have the gas to last for a first flight for the 748. That's what I've heard anyways.