Boeing

Capts. Frank Santoni and John Cashman taxied the new Boeing 777-300ER (extended range) airplane for the first time Feb. 20 at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The test, one of many being conducted as the airplane prepares for first flight, provides data about the airplane's braking performance and handling characteristics on the ground. It ensures all the systems perform as designed while the airplane is in motion, providing the flight crew's final validation before first flight.

The pilots during today's test conducted several low- and high-speed taxi runs, incrementally building speed to a maximum of 120 knots, or approximately 140 miles per hour (220 kilometers per hour). The airplane's gross weight for this test was 387,000 pounds (175,000 kilograms). First flight is expected to take place Feb. 24, depending on weather and other variables.