Boeing gets approval from FAA to start pilot training courses for its new 787

Boeing gets OK to start 787 pilot training courses

NEW YORK — Boeing Co. said Monday it’s been given approval by the Federal Aviation Administration to start pilot training courses for its new 787.

The Chicago company called the approval a “significant milestone” as it ramps up to start flight training.

With the 787 pilot training courses, pilots can transition to the new airplane in five to 20 days, depending on experience. Boeing 777 pilots can qualify to fly the 787 in as little as five days, given the high level of similarity between the two airplane types.

The 787, which Boeing calls the Dreamliner, is made of many composite materials designed to make it lighter and more fuel-efficient than comparable planes already in the sky. Its development has been plagued by delays, and the first delivery is now scheduled for late this year to Japan’s All Nippon Airways.

The Chicago-based company’s most popular plane remains the workhorse 737.

There are currently five Boeing Training & Flight Services locations around the world in Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, Seattle and Gatwick, UK.