Boeing Flight Test Update on the 747-8 and 787

Added on 11 February 2011 by Royal Aeronautical Society

If you’ve ever wanted to know the behind the scenes story of Flight Testing at the Boeing this lecture will take you there.  The lecture covers some of the most dynamic, risky and interesting testing done to date on the 787 and 747-8 programs.

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The lecture is in three parts: 747-8, 787 and a small section on common type rating between the 787 and 777.  Capt Santoni relates his personal experiences on the types of testing shown as he has either participated in the actual test or has done similar flights on other models.

Boeing Flight Test Update on the 747-8 and 787

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Recorded: February 1, 2011

About the speaker:

Capt Frank Santoni

Chief Test Pilot, Boeing Commercial Airplanes & Boeing Test & Evaluation

Chief Test Pilot, Boeing Commercial Airplanes & Boeing Test & Evaluation

Capt Frank Santoni is Chief Test Pilot for Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Test & Evaluation. In this position, Santoni leads a team of test pilots, systems operators and support staff who are responsible for test flights for all new and derivative airplane models.  His team is also responsible for overseeing the flight operational safety, training and flight procedures development for all Boeing aircraft.
Frank previously held the dual role of Director of Flight Operations and Chief Test Pilot.  Prior to this he was Chief Test Pilot for the 777 Program, a position he held since 1996. Santoni was involved in the 777 Program since its inception. During the design and test phase of the 777 development his assignments included: Chief Pilot during certification and testing of the 777-300ER, 777-300, and 777 GE engine programs. He was also lead pilot for the first 777 around-the-world record flight.
Frank joined the Boeing Flight Test organization in 1980 as a production pilot and has conducted Boeing and customer acceptance flights on all Boeing airplanes. In 1989, he became a senior engineering test pilot. Santoni is rated to fly the 727, 737, 747, 747-400, 757, 767, 777, A320, T-33 and CE500 airplanes.  He is also currently flying the 787 and 747-8 during the Certification Test Programs on each of these airplanes.
Prior to joining Boeing, Santoni was a U.S. Navy pilot. His experience includes flying attack A-4 and A-6 aircraft on the USS Kitty Hawk.
He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Frank holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from University of Maryland, and a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Systems from the University of West Florida. He is married with three children, and his hobbies include tennis, skiing, travel and gardening.

Lecture Recorded: Feb 2011

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2 Responses to “Boeing Flight Test Update on the 747-8 and 787”

  1. [...] 1 February the Flight Test Group Evening Lecture was given by Captain Frank Santoni - Chief Test Pilot, Commercial Airplanes, Boeing on the [...]

  2. hgt locke says:

    Capt. Santoni .Heard audio only but was fantastic.Ihave 40 years airline flying and his talk gave me confidence,even tho i now fly the”toy”Would love to be back on the 777.

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