vt2k

The first plane isn't set to take off until maybe September of 2009. I think many of us would be hard pressed to make a suggestion as to which seat would be best.

If you're a >= 1P in status, then exit rows are always available and provide a great amount of space. My last flight on a 777 was in Y and I sat in what would be row 33 on the new (and old) config. Plenty of leg room, though I'd still suggest the aisle.

mahasamatman

I think we can also say with 99.9999% certainty that the seat map on seatguru.com is very wrong.

6rugrats

I am not sure the increased leg room is worth it in row 33. IME, people gather there in front of your seat the entire flight waiting to use the lavatories. Then you have to listen to them, the toilets flushing and have them tripping over your legs. People are fond of walking their babies up and down the aisles and then letting them play in this area. It's just so cute when they grab your legs, or when teenagers in line for the lavs have fun opening the shade to see if it's still sunny outside which flashes light into your eyes.

Just take this into consideration. It was not a pleasant 11 hours.

planemechanic

The first B777 airplane is scheduled to go into the modification visit in September. It will not be ready to fly until some time in November.

CaptainBilly

Planemechanic, I know that many factors that are outside of your control could change this schedule. For example management could change it for financial reasons.

However, in your opinion what are the chances that the September in / November out schedule will hold up for the first B777? 90%? 75%? 50%?

I can't speak for others but from what I've seen of your posts you attempt to give the best info that you have and are are in a position to share. I for one promise not to flame you if any estimate you give is not correct.

CB

EsquireFlyer

When do you think B777 reconfig will be completed, if it starts on time in November, and everything goes on schedule (the revised, revised schedule) this time?

The suitedreams site used to say "will commence in 2009 and be completed in 2010," but I see that the "completed in 2010" part has been quietly deleted.

planemechanic

I won't hazard a guess at a percentage but the schedule has remained fixed on September as a start date for quite some time now. I don't see it changing, but as you said, things can happen.




I think you misunderstood my post. The airplane modification will be completed sometime in November, it should begin modification as scheduled in September.

ORDnHKG

I never sit in exit when it is a 3 class 777, as there is no window, just a wall. 16AB or HJ, or 21HJ are much better. However, if it is 2 class 777, I definately go for exit 16AB or HJ.

EsquireFlyer

Haha, actually, you misunderstood my post. My question was, after the first B777 is completed in November, and the 60 (?) day waiting period ends, assuming that there are no further problems beyond those that have already arisen...approximately when would the B777 fleet be completed?

UA_Flyer

I will be happy if they can complete the reconfigurations for all 744 and 763 (3 class) by September.

IMHO, the 777 re-configuration work probably won't get done until end of 2011.

Potreroflyr

The 767 conversions are complete, I thought.

Edit: Nevermind, I guess you meant BOTH 747 and 767 conversions completel

planemechanic

OK. Sorry about that.

Once the first airplane is complete there is generally a period of time to get future aircraft kits to conform to the original prototype installation. This normally about 30 days, not 60, and is not a fixed time frame.

When will the fleet be complete? I don't know. I am sure someone knows that schedule but it is not public information as far as I know.

EsquireFlyer

Thanks! ^
Is there also an FAA-mandated period in which the first plane is required to be "test flown," during which time it can operate commercial flights, but additional aircraft cannot yet be converted until the first one has completed its test period? I thought there was something like that with the first 767 reconfig.

Oh. I guess I was hoping for some "mysterious but informative" insight ^ like this:
Or this:

But..if that's not available this year, I understand.

planemechanic

There is a certification flight with an FAA representative onboard to test the EMI potential of the new installation. There is a test flight plan developed by the airline, the engineering STC holder and in concurrence with the FAA which is designed to detect any interference from the new installation with the existing flight hardware. This test is flown once and must be performed before the STC is approved by the FAA. Once the STC is approved the aircraft is approved for commercial flight. There may be other issues that stop the aircraft from flying commercially (such as a lack of trained flight attendants on the new interior and any changes to emergency equipment locations and changes in emergency exits) that will need to be addressed.

You may be thinking of the type of flight regimen that Boeing and Airbus perform to prove the initial Airworthiness to the FAA. That encompasses many flights, many different environmental conditions and takes many months. I think the new B787 is scheduled to take about 8 or 9 months to complete this phase of development.


Not that I am aware of. There was a relocation flight from the mod house to ORD and then I believe it was back into service. They may have moved the airplane around for FA training issues but not related to the aircraft certification.


The schedule is not available to anyone at this point in time. I guess I could say that in a more mysterious manner if that helps.

LA_Traveler

And that 9 month schedule involves 6 flight test aircraft, and is extremely aggressive schedule for a brand new aircraft.