Boeing

Flight-testing of the Boeing 777-300ER has verified the performance of numerous special features on the airplane. One such feature, Tail-Strike Protection, helps prevent tail contact with the ground on takeoff. On the 777-300 flight-test program six years ago, the tail contacted the ground 12 times during takeoff performance tests. On the 777-300ER flight-test program this year, the tail often came with 18 inches of the ground but never touched.