Taking Flight

It was with great delight and joy that I was able to witness first hand the first flight of the 787. It has been almost 10 years of my life that I have been working on this airplane. As many that know me it has been a huge part of my life for so many years and I have experienced many highs and lows. I could go on and on but I only want for now to say it is finally here! The "baby has finally been born" (even it it was a breached birth).

I was so fortunate to be able to be invited to Dick Gee's party at his hanger on Paine Field directly facing the runway and I got some awesome pictures the airplane as it roared down the runway in front of us and rotated for a wonderful takeoff just a thousand feet from us. I was jumping up and down and screaming like the Seahawks had finally won the Superbowl (which they should have right).

This is a special airplane and I am so proud to be one of the pioneers of its history!

You can enjoy some of the other picture I took during the First Flight at my Smugmug website:
http://blueskiesphotos.smugmug.com/Events/787-First-Flight/First-Flight/10664932_SFVx8#742289844_TFsQr

Taking Flight 2

I thought this image I took of the some Canadian Geese taking off from Lake Ballinger was so appropriate to the events of this week. I worked to create a pleasing image. I think I got it right.

These Geese work hard to get to the take off speed that will allow them to fly. The almost look like they are walking on water. To get the 787 to first flight was a most difficult journey indeed for the men and women of Boeing. I think in some ways they have almost had to "walk on water" to make it fly!

Congratulations to the great Boeing team! We did it!

John