Having taken a long-scheduled break I am back to resume updates on progress towards first flight of the 787, now unfortunately delayed once more owing to the structural issues unearthed on the static test airframe.

Today Boeing plans to perform ground tests of ZA001’s engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS), and multifunction displays (MFDs). The tests will require engines running and a test pilot to be on board, but are not expected to see the 787 trundling around the field today.

Taxi tests began on July 7. (Boeing)

For the 787, Boeing changed several aspects of the EICAS which is used in all modern airliners to flag up warnings and cautions to the crew. In particular Boeing has been anxious not to overwhelm the crew with too much information and, as part of its ‘dark’ or ‘quiet’ flightdeck concept, is minimizing EICAS displays so that events and warnings will stand out when they occur. For example the stabilizer and rudder trim position indications on the EICAS display are provided full time on the ground and only part-time in the air. The EICAS trim indications are removed after takeoff under normal conditions, but are automatically displayed for specific non-normal conditions. The automatic display logic takes precedence over the normal display removal logic after takeoff. Boeing, which had to convince the FAA the revised 787 EICAS display philosophy met or exceeded the equivalent level of safety, says the stabilizer and rudder trim position indications are also displayed on the flight controls synoptic (pilot selectable), so the trim information is always available to the pilots if desired. In the air, the rudder trim indication is also automatically displayed when the rudder trim is moved off center more than a designated amount. After landing, the stabilizer and rudder trim position indications are displayed when groundspeed is less then 40 kt. Additionally, the stabilizer position is displayed after landing if any pitch trim switch is used.

The 787 EICAS will also reflect design changes made to allow cabin pressure altitude warnings at cabin pressures above 10,000 ft. Boeing plans to certify the 787 for take off and landings at airports up to 14,500 ft, and the EICAS will display a new message saying HIGH CABIN ALT MODE to indicate when the cabin altitude warning limit shifts from 10,000 feet to a higher setting. Boeing says there is no manual means to clear or override the "HIGH CABIN ALT MODE" memo message and the memo message only clears when the cabin altitude warning limit shifts back to 10,000 feet. In addition, the flight crew will be required to don oxygen masks during operations into, and out of, high altitude airports.

(Boeing)

Testing follows the start of low-speed taxi tests on July 7 which covered brakes, steering and ground loads, and which culminated in runway speeds of over 100 kt. Initial rejected take-off tests were also conducted using standard braking and thrust-reversers. Below are two video clips of the initial taxi tests, and a link to Randy’s Journal which also includes a video.