Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental completes final gauntlet test

Boeing has completed final gauntlet testing on the first 747-8 Intercontinental jetliner. The two days of testing were completed late Sunday. Gauntlet testing simulates flight conditions to test systems and ensure flight readiness. During the testing, Boeing test pilots put the airplane through its paces. First flight of the 747-8 Intercontinental will occur after final flight readiness reviews, receipt of documentation from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and taxi testing. Both taxi testing and first flight are subject to weather conditions.