• the Boeing 787

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    #464818

    Why is there a black balloon tied on with a piece of string to the tail of the Boeing 787 in this shot http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/12/15/natpkg.boeing.flight.cnn from CNN?
    I can’t sleep not knowing.

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    • #1191651

      It is NOT a balloon, but a small parachute like device for some test equipment.
      If I remember right it is a wind speed indicator, in real time.

      There is also another one, that will pull out a VERY long antenna like cable, which will create midair drag.

      DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
      Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

      • #1191681

        It is NOT a balloon, but a small parachute like device for some test equipment.

        Thanks Dave. I’m off to bed now, for a peaceful sleep.

    • #1191703

      Fitting that they should call it the Dreamliner, eh?

      Bill K.

    • #1191704

      Why is there a black balloon tied on with a piece of string to the tail of the Boeing 787 in this shot http://www.cnn.com/v…eing.flight.cnn from CNN?
      I can’t sleep not knowing.

      Is it it’s birthday?

      • #1191724

        Is it it’s birthday?

        I thought it might be a prank; we used balloons as water-bombs back in the days when I thought I was really clever, a long time ago. I had an image of one of the crew climbing through the fuselage to the tail-fin end (shades of Nevil Shute’s “No Highway”) and cutting the string as they flew back over the indignitaries,.

    • #1193685

      Interested in the Boeing 787 check out http://boeingblogs.com/randy/

      Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

      • #1193701

        Interested in the Boeing 787 check out http://boeingblogs.com/randy/

        Thanks Gary, some excellent photos.
        All I know is that I wouldn’t dream of getting on any airplane that doesn’t have a black balloon tied on with a piece of string.
        I’m thinking of packing a balloon and string in my carry-on, just in case they’ve forgotten.

    • #1193745

      Yes, the second plane took flight today and yes it also had this “balloon” tied to it’s tail.

      DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
      Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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