In what looked like a flawless takeoff, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner took the air at about 10:27 PT this morning.
The plane taxied for several minutes passing in front of several thousand Boeing employees and a throng of media. Then it stopped for several minutes at the southern end of runway 34L at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. for final flight checks. After less than five minutes, it took off with a Boeing T-33 chase plane along side.
[Image Gallery: Boeing 787 takes off on its maiden flight]
There was some doubt whether it would fly today given rainy conditions, but the weather cooperated and the rain held off. Winds were about 9 MPH but moderated by the time it took off. A loud cheer went up at the plane went wheels up. Then for about two minutes, it leveled off and flew low into the horizon.
The first flight monkey is off the 787’s back. I’m on the bus to take in the landing at Boeing Field around 2 PT followed by a press conference featuring the two test pilots.
Previously: How Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner will seduce you
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