FAA ban on electronic devices making us less productive in the air

American Airlines 737-800 Eco Demonstrator In FlightK65743

Earlier this year, we wrote a post about flying with our gadgets and wondered if the takeoff and landing restrictions for electronic devices actually had any validity. Several of you chimed in with some insightful comments on the matter. Now, a report from the USA Today notes that we’re becoming less productive because of the… Read More…

B-52 2.0: Boeing’s bombers can now change missions, redirect weapons in flight

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In the past, B-52 bombers would simply receive mission information before a flight and then head up into the air. But now, thanks to an upgrade from Boeing, these high-powered bombers will be able to receive information in-flight from aircrews via satellite links and change mission plans or redirect weapons. Boeing Defense, Space & Security, a unit… Read More…

Back in the air: FAA approves 787 battery design changes

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After three months of grounding, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is set to fly again. The Federal Aviation Administration today approved Boeing’s 787 battery changes and has agreed to lift the grounding order that was placed back in January. After a flurry of overheating lithium ion battery problems and emergency landings in Japan three months ago, the FAA ordered all U.S.-based… Read More…

F.A.A. approves Boeing certification plan to test 787 battery fixes

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The Federal Aviation Administration today approved Boeing’s certification plan to test the 787 Dreamliner’s battery system. Late last month, Boeing presented proposed changes to the FAA and several outlets reported that the FAA was to start flight testing as early as last week. But the FAA denied those reports, calling them “completely inaccurate.” Now, however, it has given… Read More…

Boeing relocating 787 training simulator to Miami; 100 Seattle employees affected

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Boeing announced today that it is moving its training flight simulators — including one for the 787 Dreamliner — along with other devices from Seattle to Miami. Out of more than 500 Seattle Flight Services employees, 100 of those that support the simulator training specifically will be affected in one way or another. “Whether they go… Read More…

This spy plane flies in 120-degree heat and lands on water

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Insitu, the Boeing-owned unmanned aircraft maker, just completed its first successful test flight for the Integrator unmanned aircraft system (UAS) Block 2, the latest release of the Integrator system. The technology upgrades include an extended temperature limit of 120 degrees and an improved sensor turret that helps identify objects more clearly during day and night missions. “We… Read More…

Boeing creates website to explain 787 problems

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To help you better understand what exactly is going on with the 787 Dreamliner fiasco, Boeing has created an informational website. After a flurry of lithium-ion battery problems and emergency landings in Japan, the Federal Aviation Administration last month ordered all U.S.-based airlines to ground Boeing 787 Dreamliners until it’s proven that the batteries are safe and in… Read More…

VIDEO: Boeing’s badass Phantom Eye spy plane completes taxi tests

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Boeing’s liquid hydrogen-powered high altitude autonomous Phantom Eye plane is inching closer toward flight again. The Phantom Eye completed taxi tests yesterday at Edwards Air Force Base in California and reached speeds of 46 miles an hour. The unique aircraft, with a 150-foot wingspan, is designed for “persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and communications.” In… Read More…

Dude, where’s my Dreamliner? Michael Dell’s 787 order may be delayed

Michael Dell (Wikipedia photo)

Michael Dell’s most recent purchase may be put on hold thanks to Boeing’s latest woes. According to a report out this afternoon from the Wall Street Journal, the founder and CEO of Dell has an order for the Dreamliner via the International Lease Finance Corp., the largest buyer of 787s. The WSJ noted that it… Read More…