Updated A380 info

[C]

I'm not sure that these lhuge unwieldy organisations like Boeing & Airbus have a chief test pilot these days.

Certainly BAE Systems have a CTP - the current one's and ex RAF chap. I think the "other" captain of the A-380 is Airbus' CTP, so they should have no decision making problems there, CTP in one seat, CEO in the other...

The RAF have a CTP too, but I think he sees an aeroplane once an month...

[Saratoga]

Well definetly some experience up front. It's pretty much all true. They may just decide not to fly one day, then turn around during taxiing and say "hey let's take this thing for a spin" *cough* Howard Hughes *cough*

[C]

The rumour mill (from Airbus Toulsouse) is that F-WWOW or whatever it is was released to the flight test department today to begin taxi trials.

[Saratoga]

The first big step. Actually making it move forward on it's own power. *big group "whoaaaaa....."*

[Craig.]

April 14th to the 19th is the current rumored flight window. Charlie is right they have moved it for ground running and started the electrical tests today. And should begin engine start-up and taxi tests shortly.

[Craig.]

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/813517/M/
Engine run up. about time.

[C]

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/813517/M/
Engine run up. about time.

What's that miniscule plane I can see in the background...


...oh, it's an A330!

(Was just off to Anet to look for the same thing Craig, but you've saved me the bother)

[Craig.]

And to think this is the small A380

[GWSimulations]

It would be good to see a Columban Cri-Cri up alongside it...

[Mr. Bones]

For those who are attending the Paris Airshow, I was told that the A380 won't fly during the show and that it will be on the static show on the first day only and not on June the 18th and 19th.

Don't shoot the messenger if he's wrong!

[Craig.]

same thing i have read. Its gotta fly out of there at some point though. Prob under the cover of night.

[Craig.]

Its alive
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/815953/M/
Must admit while i dont like it, i am excited to see it fly.
still no official cockpit photos

[C]

Its alive
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/815953/M/
Must admit while i dont like it, i am excited to see it fly.
still no official cockpit photos

Going to be very (very (very)) similar to A330/A340 from what I've heard. Was discussing it at work today along with the A400

[Craig.]

Oh i know it will be simmilar but from artists rendering that i have seen, it is still differant and pretty cool looking. just want proof now:)

[Nexus]

I have seen pictures of how it will look like in some aviation mags at my flight school.
It will feature more large flatpanels than then A330/340, aswell as a comp (touchscreen?) neatly stuck into the tray infront of the pilot.

It will be one of the most advanced offices in the world  ;D