Boeing has embarked on a crucial phase in the journey of its 777-9 aircraft by initiating certification flight trials with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This significant milestone was confirmed on Saturday, marking the receipt of type certification from the FAA, which permits certification flight testing with US regulators onboard. This step follows a report by The Air Current, which disclosed that formal flight testing commenced on Friday.

Commencement of Certification Process

Boeing announced via social media that its protracted flight certification process with the FAA is officially underway. On Friday evening, the third 777-9 test aircraft, registered as N7779XY, executed a 1-hour and 52-minute flight, featuring FAA pilots on board. The flight, operating under the code BOE3, followed a route along the coastal region between Portland and Seattle. Departing from Seattle Boeing Field Airport (BFI) at 18:16 local time, the aircraft concluded its journey by landing back at 20:08.

Boeing 777-9 Type Inspection Authorization (TIA)

Securing the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) for the 777-9 marks an essential advancement in the certification process. The TIA, a critical step usually granted before certification flights begin, signifies that various aspects of the aircraft’s design are ready for government assessment.

In June 2021, it was revealed that Boeing needed to conduct more extensive analysis on the 777-9 than initially planned to obtain its TIA. This requirement followed an FAA letter outlining concerns about the aircraft’s readiness, stating:

“The FAA and Boeing have been discussing the TIA readiness of the Boeing Model 777-9 in numerous meetings over the past nine months. Based on our assessment, the FAA considers that the aircraft is not yet ready for TIA even if it is a phased TIA of limited scope with a small number of certification flight test plans proposed.”

The letter also referenced Boeing’s commitment to a significant software update to address several issues, including a fix for the “un-commanded pitch event” that occurred on December 8, 2020, involving the second test aircraft (N779XX). This incident highlighted critical flight control concerns.

Additional TIA requirements and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to delays in Boeing’s anticipated type certification timeline, now projected for late 2023.

What’s next?

Initially, Boeing aimed to deliver the first 777X by 2020. However, repeated delays have pushed this timeline further. Emirates’ CEO has expressed concerns about potential delays extending to 2026. Similarly, in May, Singapore Airlines anticipated receiving its first 777-9 by late 2025.

As Boeing navigates these challenges, the initiation of certification flight trials represents a positive step towards eventual certification and delivery, promising better days ahead for the 777-9 program.

• Featured Image by Nick Sheeder