777-200LR Flight Test Journal: Archives
14 June 2005
Interior focus
Dave Ingebright
Supervisor, Flight Test manufacturing, WD002
Putting a new aircraft or derivative, like the 777-200LR Worldliner, through the Flight Test program is intense and demanding for everyone involved. It's also very exciting.
The focus inside WD002 is on advanced accommodations and custom interior design.
My team is working with WD002, the second Flight Test airplane. The first airplane, WD001, carries the major load for certification testing. And although WD002 will not play as large a role in certification, my team and I will have an equally demanding job - with a different focus
WD002 is much more involved in marketing activities. Right now it's at the Paris Air Show. And when it's finished there, it will continue on a World Tour. This airplane will host media, airline officials, financial VIPs and government leaders from around the world. So everything has to be perfect - and it will be.
Special lighting enhances the interior of WD002 during its "Going the Distance" tour around the world.
The interior of WD002 was specially designed and is really something to see. There are several high-definition monitors in an area reserved for press and customer briefings. There's a section of advanced interior accommodations. And to provide a comparison, there's a small section of A340-style seats on board to contrast with the roominess and comfort of the 777 family.
Even the ceiling of this airplane got some special treatment. It features star patterns and mood lighting to simulate sunrise, midday and sunset. Not only are these features going to be appealing to passengers, we hope they will also help eliminate "jet lag" on long flights.
Talking airplane maintenance at Boeing Field in Seattle recently. I'm in the center. On the left is Paul Henning and on the right is Ron McClain.
During the past few months, as this airplane was going through final assembly, my crew and I met with each production shop and explained the special needs for the Paris Air Show and the World Tour. These are unusual modifications, but they serve a good purpose. This airplane is going to go out and help sell more airplanes.
It was fun to watch the team's eyes light up when we told them that. Everyone works very hard on each airplane that comes out of the factory, but people really get excited when they know that this is going to be a showpiece.
I hope to report back during the World Tour. I'll let you know how it all goes.