from AVWeb, March 27, 2013

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Boeing Test Flies 787

Boeing launched a 787 from Paine Field in Everett, Wash., on
Monday afternoon and flew a two-hour test flight with its redesigned
battery system. The 787 returned and landed with no apparent problems,
The Associated Press reported. Boeing had said in a statement prior to
the flight that during the check flight, the crew would cycle the
landing gear, operate all the backup systems, and perform electrical
system checks. "Following the completion of the functional check
flight, we will analyze the data from the flight and prepare for
certification ground and flight demonstration in the coming days,"
Boeing said. Also on Monday, the NTSB announced details of its
upcoming forum on lithium batteries, scheduled for April 11-12.



The NTSB said the forum will focus on three areas: the design,
development and performance of lithium ion batteries; regulations and
standards related to manufacturing, use and transport of the
batteries; and the application and safety aspects of lithium battery
technology in various transportation modes. A preliminary agenda has
been posted online. The safety board said the forum will be streamed
live online and later will be archived on the NTSB website. The 787
fleet has been grounded since January after two airplanes experienced
battery malfunctions.