Boeing's New 787-10 Takes Off, Bound for Testing Hell

(upbeat indie rock music)

[Narrator] This is the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner,

and it's taking off for the very first time.

During a five-hour jaunt, the two test pilots

ran through a 50-page checklist.

They made sure everything from the flaps

to the landing gear works as promised.

It's a triumphant moment for the plane,

which someday will seek 330 passengers.

This first flight will soon be a distant memory,

because Boeing's pilots are done being nice.

Over the next few months, they'll spend about

1,000 hours in the air, putting the new plane

through tougher and tougher challenges.

It's how they treat every new model,

including the slightly smaller 787-9

and the also new 737 MAX.

Nearly vertical takeoffs.

Climbs to 40,000 feet.

Turns so tight, the airliner looks more like a fighter jet.

Inside, Boeing test planes look more

like a mad scientist's lab,

with racks of equipment measuring, well, everything.

Then they'll hit the road, in search of ways

to beat on the poor plane even harder,

by flying in harsh climates and landing in various terrain.

When you finally get to climb aboard the 787-10,

starting next year, make sure to treat it real nice.

It's been through a lot.

(upbeat indie rock music)