Boeing says pilot of 787 test airplane cuts short first flight because of maintenance problems

Boeing says pilot cuts short 787 test flight

SEATTLE — Boeing Co. says one of its 787 test airplanes had some maintenance trouble during its first flight and the pilot chose to land the plane early.

The Seattle Times reports the jetliner was flying from Everett’s Paine Field on Monday and landed at Seattle’s Boeing Field rather than making the longer flight to Moses Lake, Wash., as scheduled.

Boeing spokeswoman Yvonne Leach says the diversion was only precautionary. She declined to provide details, but says the hour-long flight is still considered a success.

The plane is one of two 787 flight test planes with GE engines. The other four have Rolls-Royce engines.

Boeing hopes to deliver the first 787 early next year, more than two years late.

Information from: The Seattle Times, www.seattletimes.com