At long last, the Boeing 787 has been cleared for commercial flights. Meanwhile, the PDC gets a new director and the Sounders get a new teammate. Oh, and some people argue about bike lanes.
Extra, Extra: Boeing 787 Gets Green Light From FAA
FAA Mandates Inspections for Early 737s After Southwest Airlines Incident
Following up to our earlier entry on Southwest Airlines grounding 70 flights after a five-foot tear ripped through the body of a Boeing 737, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections for all similar, early 737 models.
Test Time for Sea-Tac's Third Runway
As MvB's previous post proved, you all are hot for Sea-Tac's third runway. After 15 years of waiting, Seattle, we don't blame you for the eager anticipation. So we're pleased to report that we're inching a step (or more aptly, a take-off and landing) closer to the third runway being fully functional. A 737 will test the runway today as part of an FAA certification process. The plane will do several touch-and-go landings on the new runway. And, if the previous 15 years are any indication, we only have 4 or 5 more years until the runway is ready for its grand debut.
If You're Heading East From Now Until Nov., Expect Delays
Starting today and continuing until the first "significant" snowfall in Snoqualmie Pass, drivers should expect up to 20-minute delays just east of the pass. The Department of Transportation says there will be rolling slow-downs and halted traffic on I-90 between mile posts 57 and 59 near Keechelus Lake. The WSDOT is doing some drilling up on the pass to begin a new project, creating a six-lane highway between Hyak and Easton. Because of the rugged terrain (it is the mountains, folks) equipment is brought to the scene in helicopters. According to FAA rules, a clear space must be provided for emergency landing purposes when a helicopter carries equipment over the Interstate. That's all fine and good with us. Lord knows we don't want to meet our end like an action movie enemy, with a gigantic industral drill crashing down on our car from a helicopter.

