My Chat With Addison Schonland
I sat down with Addison Schonland tonight to talk about the 787 program. Addison runs the excellent IAG Blog. It's definitely worth the subscription.
You can listen to our conversation here.
September 5, 2007
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9 comments:
Jon, you suggest Boeing will say first power-on in mid-Oct and First Flight in mid-Nov. How is this possible if the plane is without wires or systems?
As mentioned elsewhere, the A380 took over 9 months from first power to first flight, and that was after the wiring and systems were installed. This does not compute.
I'm sure the fastener fiasco has prevented them from installing anything inside as access to all the fasteners for removal, repair, inspection, replacement has been required, and it appears the work is still going on.
"the A380 took over 9 months from first power to first flight, and that was after the wiring and systems were installed"
I'm not sure the "troubled" A380 program should be used as an appropriate benchmark in this instance.
Perhaps a better comparison would be the the average time between the "power-on" and "first-flight" milestones for Boeing commercial aircraft development programs in the past?
So, give us a table of these value.
"Boeing doesn't know what they don't know."
Yet, this program has been optimistic to the point of nausea; some might use arrogance.
Why can't these things be couched in a way that allows the uncertainty to be visible. Trying to sweep things under the rug really grates to an educated public.
Hiding behind the proprietary curtain certainly doesn't help in this area.
VCs and other money types like to brag about their elevator speeches; I heard it said that the level ought to be that of a 12-year old.
Well, guys and gals, try flying your little speech.
Also, scoff at the thought that an older mind can bring something to the table.
"Not your father's plane." Indeed. They did fly, for the most part.
"I'm not sure the "troubled" A380 program should be used as an appropriate benchmark in this instance."
The A380 wiring mess came when they tried to wire up the passenger seats, the restrooms, etc. The basic aircraft wiring was good on the first plane in test.
It's native and dangerous to think that the airplane will be ready to fly within 3-4 weeks after power on. Hundreds of hours of testing is required before the airplane is truly flight-ready, not to mention able to get the FAA experimental ticket.
If the airplane is late, its late. In five years nobody will remember. But if an incidence occurs during flight test due to schedule pressure it will marr the program forever.
Who picked the lead-in music? Lying eyes (Eagles)! 9:47 EDT
What a theme for us to use for a discussion!
that's what i was thinking as well..
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