New Boeing jumbo jet completes first flight

Only my opinion: The A380 returned safely to Singapore only due to superior crew. Thus, all incident facts were preserved. Hopefully, Airbus is now busy fixing what needs to be fixed: a) The RR engines, b) run primary and backup wiring and hydraulics on separate paths through the airframe, c) redesign the handling of automated ECAMs. If not done, it is only a matter of time before a similar, perhaps catastrophic event will occur.

Thanks Svend, interesting reading, honestly. However, if that is your reason/excuse to state that A380 is "less than a safe airplane", well, so be it...:) Talking about design faults that makes airplane definitely "less than safe", I would rather refer to TWA 800 or the numerous DC-10 cargo door problems back in the early days. But hey, that's just me.

Tom, check this link.

http://www.flyafrica.info/forums/showthread.php?33284-IFALPA-s-take-on-the-Qantas-A380

Svend, I too follow the incidents and read reports. Anyway, my point is that the authorities are instance who can ground the fleet if it is considered as not safe to fly and they have not done that. Therefore you just cannot state "A380 has some significant problems that make it a less than safe airplane". Ofcourse it may be your opinion, but it is definitely not "less than a safe". Dont get me wrong here and I hope you understand my point. And yes we all can choose which AC we would like to fly (at least most of the time):)

Some A380s are equipped with GE Alliance engines. They have had no rotor blade failures. I read the incident reports, not what the CAAs, Airbus, or any other vested interests say.

Svend, thanks for the reply. I recall that case, however IMHO, lets not forget that the initial problem started with RR engine and its (possible) design faults. At least as Im aware, A380 are still flying and not grounded (even Qantas) by any CAA, by Airbus or by any operator? Which make me to conclude that A380 is safe to fly. Just my 2 cents and no hard feelings.

Tom, Google the Quantas flight from Singapore last November. One of the Rolls Royce engines blew the rotor blades (other A380s with RR engines have had similar, but less serious failures). The resulting structural damage to the wing revealed design issues with wiring, the fly-by-wire systems, and the automated emergency response systems. The plane made it back to Singapore safely due to the expert crew. Read the official reports.

Svend,

As I do not come directly from the industry, but I am rather an enthusiast for flying and airplanes, what would make you to state that A380 is less than a safe airplace?

Thanks in advance for the feedback

Boeing is one of a Handful of companies that have the capability of designing/Engineering a Fully Functional and Flyable Airframe straight from the Computer. Bravo Boeing! P.S. GLAD YOU USED THE 747 FRAME, IT IS WORTHY

Congratulations Boeing! The 747 was always and still is my favorite jet liner and I am thrilled to see the new larger version going through the flight tests.
Flew around the world on 747. Thrill of a lifetime!

As the saying goes...."If it ain't Boeing, I ain't going!"

rudy and svend i agree with both of you as the 747 has been the workhorse of the fleet and also glad that boing is helping by making more fuel efficent 747

Boing was smart in evolving the tried and true 747 into this bigger, more efficient plane, as opposed to doing what Airbus did, develop a totally new airplane in the A380. As we all know, the A380 has some significant problems that make it a less than safe airplane. When traveling intercontinental, I'll fly on the 747-8i, as opposed to the A380. Good job, Boing.

Good to see that Boeing still makes good jets.