The first Boeing 787 delivery is still months away, but the new plane is already threatening to cause flight delays.
The FAA has been thinking about the new jet, and they’re a little concerned that it might just be too fast and powerful. They’ve put out new guidelines regarding how closely other aircraft can follow the new plane, as they’re concerned that the big wings and big engines of the 787 will shake up the air in front of the planes waiting on the runway.
Right now planes like the 747-400 have a four-mile separation requirement, but the new 787 is getting a ten-mile rule. It’s not just one plane either, as Boeing’s latest version of the 747 — the 747-8 — is also subject to the new rules.
The FAA just wants to ensure that the new airplanes aren’t bullying smaller jets and older aircraft on the runway. Right now it’s just an interim thing while the planes go through testing, but if the restriction sticks it could be an issue as planes are forced to lineup on the runway.
The FAA might just be taking a conservative approach at this point, as even the Airbus A380 doesn’t require a ten-mile spacing. Boeing is already chatting with the FAA about this new guideline, as they realize this spacing could cause some of their customers to be not so happy. Just imagine a runway full of 787s on a busy summer day at JFK
