Boeing has reached a new milestone in the 777-9 certification campaign by advancing human factors evaluations using next-generation training simulators already qualified by the FAA and EASA. These devices, including full flight simulators (FFS) and flight training devices (FTD), are used to assess cockpit ergonomics, crew procedures, workload management and abnormal scenarios ahead of entry into service.
The manufacturer obtained initial qualification for 777-9 training devices at Gatwick, enabling their use to develop and validate pilot training programs before airline courses begin. In parallel, Lufthansa Aviation Training in Frankfurt has received the first 777-9 full flight simulator delivered to an airline group, allowing the launch customer to prepare flight crew transitions more than a year before the aircraft arrives in the fleet.
These simulator-based activities complement major physical certification tests such as the maximum brake energy trial conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, where the 777-9 completed a high-speed rejected takeoff at maximum weight, heating the brakes to about 1,371 °C without fire or explosion. The program, now targeting entry into service in 2027 after around six years of delay, is progressing under heightened regulatory scrutiny on human factors, training and safety following the 737 MAX crises.