7L87: What's Up With The Number 8?

 Apparently the number 8 not only has powers beyond our wildest imagination, but it also doesn’t seem to like commercial aircraft very much either.  Really, think about it.  What else could it be that would cause a well experienced, highly successful mega company like Airbus to literally deliver the A380 two years behind schedule.

 And now, seems that pesky number 8 is not letting up on its attack on Boeing.  Sad but true, but now Boeing says that the 787 project has new delays and it appears that first flight won’t be til 2Q 2009, and first delivery now slides to 1Q 2010.  Umm, that’s essentially two years behind schedule. I’m tempted to call the Dreamliner the 7L87 from now on… and hoping I never have to go this route: 7∞7!

 Don't misunderstand, I’m a huge fan of the 787 project, and I really like that Boeing is sticking their neck out a mile with it.  That’s exactly the same kind of attitude that brought us the game-changing 747, and I’m confident that the 787 is going to stand the test of time very well in the end.  But for the sake of National pride, our economy, and the world of aviation, I just wish they’d get the thing done!   

 Seriously tho, I would like to add my greatest respect to the people who design, engineer, and build aircraft at this level.  The effort is enormous, the complexity is staggering, and the pressure is high.  No matter where you are on the globe, if you're involved in this process, I want to encourage you.  Thank you for what you do, and don’t ever give up!