Shameel,
All sorts of ground testing is necessary before the aircraft even has it's first smokey engine start. All computers are fired up, programmed, tested and retested. All flaps and slats are opened and closed as is pretty much every moving part that can be operated. After that comes engine start, engine testing, rejected take off tests all before first flight occurs. This may take a week or two depending on the schedules. They may throw it into paint if a spot is available or this maybe done at some other stage during the flight test period. Some widebodies are actually now sent 'green' down to PDX for paint to speed up that aspect of the delivery. A typical 737 paint takes 4-5days with an intricate special scheme (like a secret bird going in tonight at BFI) will take 7days.
Hope that helps a little,
Scott.

Hey Scott

Can you share a little more???

Cheers

Unfortuantely not Andrew but I'll show you the photos after a long 7 day wait ;)
It should be a good one but not ultra spectacular.
Scott.

P.S) Check your email :p

No B?

Fantastic Scotty!

-VGB is taken up by a Vans RV-7A

Scott

Have you heard any news of the 1st of 4 new B777-236ER for British Airways.

Thanks for the explanation Scott. Always great to hear about what's going on at BFI and PAE.

Now the wait begins until VA's first bird comes out of the paintshop. :)

Hi Scott

Pardon my ignorance, but I've been wondering what the dominant green colour is on all new Boeings before they're painted.

Do you know if it's some kind of protective coating or composite material ?

Mr Coppo Sir,

Scott won't mind me answering this (after all we have shared a bit of beaver together), the answer is simple - it's PRIMER

Ben

Virgin Blue's first aircraft (737-400's) used the VH-VG* regos. Then VH-VBA, VBB, VBC, etc was delivered, the 737-400's were withdrawn once the newer planes entered service.