The B 787 back in VCV? Check Flight Aware..

[SkyBaby]

Pinch me I'm dreaming.  Or tell me I'm wrong.  I'm here in Phelan right now with the opportunity to go down there.  Is the 787 there right now?  According to Flight Aware, it appears to have done a touch and go at the wee hours of the morning.  Anyone know if it's still there? 

[WARBIRD KEITH]

your not dreaming, its back for a few more weeks!

[SkyBaby]

your not dreaming, its back for a few more weeks!

I was just there.  Got some pictures of her on the ground.  I can't post pictures from where I am right now, and it will be a week or so until I can.  I have internet but not a computer with a good photoshop for editing pictures. 

I talked to a Boeing employee and he said this one and 2 or 3 others are coming back to VCV and will be there at least until July he said.  The reason why the first one left early was because of some mechanical failure of some kind of test equipment.  The first 787 to be flown at VCV, the one for ANA, will be back in the coming weeks. 

The employee also told me they're not doing anymore ground effects testing, but more flying long, high flights with the plane measuring and testing other things.  He said there will still be ample opportunities for shooting. 

The one I saw is 787 #4.  I hit my goal, my goal was to see one of the first five 787s.  It's so cool seeing such a new plane.  Her lines are so graceful.  Let's hope these beauties don't go home early!   

On the way to this area, I saw the 747-8 parked at Boeing's hanger over at Plant 42.  I think we were on 50th street west.. I'm not sure.  It was a street that runs parallel to Rancho Vista except on the other side of the base. 

I'll post the shots of the 787 when I'm back home with my computer. 

[Code20photog]

The first 787 to be flown at VCV, the one for ANA, will be back in the coming weeks. 

Just FYI, 787 #2, the one painted in the ANA colors, will not be delivered to ANA. It is only in their scheme to commemorate ANA being the first customer, and will remain as a Boeing test bird. 787 #7 will be the actual 1st ANA 787.

[SkyBaby]

Just FYI, 787 #2, the one painted in the ANA colors, will not be delivered to ANA. It is only in their scheme to commemorate ANA being the first customer, and will remain as a Boeing test bird. 787 #7 will be the actual 1st ANA 787.

Thanks for the info.  That's really interesting. 

[Code20photog]

Thanks for the info.  That's really interesting. 

1-6 are Boeing test birds. 1-4 will remain with Boeing. 5 and 6 will be sold to an airline once Boeing is done with them.

At least that's what the tour guide at Everett said....