How'd You Like To Among The First To Crew A Whole New Generation of Airliners?

Talk about a milestone (and 'no' pressure)... Boeing and ANA (All Nippon Airways) have completed pilot training in Seattle, WA, for the first airline crews who will fly the 787 Dreamliner. Ten ANA pilots concluded their training after each pilot performed flights in ZA001 – the first 787 flight test airplane – over Washington state. These initial crews to go through training are ANA's senior training pilots and check airmen and will conduct both simulator and airplane line training for ANA in Japan. They will be the first pilots on 787 commercial flights for ANA.

"Boeing and ANA have a close working relationship, and this is and has been a personal and emotional journey together," said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. "We've been putting in some long hours to get to this point, and seeing the completion of the first set of training is a testament to our team and to the dedication of our partners at ANA."

Airplane ZA001 was used to conduct two base training flights on May 25 with Boeing instructor pilots and ANA pilots on board. Each ANA pilot performed approaches at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, WA. Activity included one instrument landing system (ILS) precision approach and two visual approach patterns per pilot, with touch-and-go landings. A Boeing instructor pilot occupied the right seat during all flight activity, with the ANA pilots cycling through the left seat belonging to the captain. The flights followed a preparatory session in the 787 full-flight simulator during which the pilots practiced the procedures used during the flights.

"Each milestone is getting more and more exciting as we approach first delivery," said Mike Fleming, vice president, 787 Services and Support. "I couldn't be happier with how smoothly the training went and how our Boeing teams continue to work together with ANA to ensure a smooth entry into service."

The flights, part of Japan Civil Aviation Board (JCAB) mandated training, also provided further validation that the 787 simulators and overall Boeing training program accurately replicate the feel and operation of the 787 airplane. All of the pilots from the first crews received a qualification check ride from the JCAB during their simulator training and are now considered to be fully qualified to fly the 787 under Japanese regulatory authority. 

FMI: www.boeing.com