EVERETT- Boeing progresses toward 777X certification, with recent crosswind tests at Lubbock Airport (LBB) marking a key milestone. The tests ensure the aircraft’s performance in extreme winds for regulatory approval.
The 777-9, the longest airliner built, aims for deliveries in 2026, with ongoing brake tests at Clinton-Sherman Airport (CSM) and reactivated flight tests for WH004.
Photo: Steve JerrimBoeing 777X Certification
Boeing’s 777-9, the largest variant of the 777X family, is undergoing rigorous testing to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification standards.
In mid-March, the first test aircraft, WH001, completed crosswind testing at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB) in Texas.
According to Aviation Week, these tests leveraged extreme weather conditions to evaluate the aircraft’s controllability during takeoffs, landings, and maneuvers in winds up to 60 knots.
At 252 feet 9 inches, the 777-9’s length creates a significant empennage moment arm, requiring precise handling in crosswinds.
FAA Part 23 mandates demonstrating controllability in a 90-degree crosswind at least 20% of stall speed, a critical requirement for the aircraft’s safety and performance.
Boeing’s meteorologists planned the tests weeks in advance, identifying Lubbock’s weather and runway layout as ideal.
According to 777 Deputy Chief Pilot Heather Ross, the preparation for such scenarios is extensive, requiring coordinated weather forecasting, simulator drills, and immediate aircraft readiness.
“Everything has to come together perfectly,” she explained, underscoring the rarity and complexity of such operations.
The successful tests advance the 777-9 toward its 2026 delivery target for airlines like Emirates (EK) and Qatar Airways (QR).
Photo: Huy Do | JetPhotosAdvanced Brake Testing
Beyond crosswind performance, Boeing has also been conducting intensive brake system certification at Clinton-Sherman Airport (CSM) in Oklahoma. This location offers a 13,500-foot runway ideal for high-speed brake trials.
The 777-9 uses carbon disc brakes manufactured by RTX Collins Aerospace, made from Duracarb, a proprietary carbon composite developed by Goodrich.
These brakes are lighter than traditional steel and engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, up to 5,000°F during emergency stops.
Originally awarded in 2015, the brake contract plays a pivotal role in reducing aircraft weight and improving energy absorption.
These tests are essential to validate the stopping performance under maximum energy conditions, ensuring compliance with FAA safety standards for runway overrun prevention and emergency stopping capability.
Photo: Clément AlloingFlight Test Program
The 777-9 flight test program has logged over 1,300 flights and 3,800 flight hours since FAA-required testing began in July 2024.
A pause in August addressed an engine thrust link issue, with flights resuming in January 2025. The FAA’s Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) now includes expanded testing for extreme conditions, conducted in phases to ensure compliance and safety.
The reactivation of WH004, the fourth test aircraft, signals increased program tempo. WH004, dormant for nearly 3.5 years, will feature a full passenger interior, supporting cabin-related certification.
Photo: BoeingDelivery Outlook
Boeing’s phased TIA approach allows incremental testing as systems meet FAA standards. Each phase requires FAA approval, ensuring safety before proceeding to more demanding trials.
The 777-9’s certification is critical for Boeing to begin deliveries to launch customers in 2026, maintaining competitiveness in the long-haul market against Airbus’s A350.
The program’s progress reflects Boeing’s focus on precision and safety, addressing challenges like the thrust link issue while advancing toward regulatory approval.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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