The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is ready to fly!

Boeing 787-881 N787BA (msn 40690) PAE (final taxi test), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) yesterday (December 12) completed high-speed taxi tests on the first 787 Dreamliner (787-881 N787BA, msn 40690). This is the last in a series of functional tests planned in preparation for first flight. According to the Boeing press release, ”Our pilots told me the airplane performed beautifully,” said Mike Delaney, vice president and chief project engineer for the 787. “We’re going through and analyzing the data to ensure we’re ready for first flight. From evaluations we’ve done so far, everything looks good.”

During the testing, the airplane reached a top speed of approximately 130 knots (150 mph, 240 kph), and the pilots lifted the nose gear from the pavement. Video highlights of the taxi testing will be available by the end of the day Monday at http://www.boeing.com and http://www.newairplane.com.

Taxi test is the last testing planned before first flight which could come on Tuesday, December 15, if the Seattle area weather permits.