Kamal Ghorui
Preparations at the MRO included a full weighing of the aircraft on February 4, verification of all maintenance task cards, and a detailed inspection of the airframe, wings, fuselage, and landing gear. Cowling, panels, and fasteners were checked for proper fit, followed by system functional tests, leak and pressure inspections, and safety checks — including fuel, oil, and hydraulic leak tests, cabin pressurization, fire detection and protection, emergency slides, and oxygen systems.The upcoming test flight, scheduled between Feb 11 and 13, will be a passenger-free flight testing takeoff, climb, control response, avionics, autopilot, and landing procedures. The aircraft will officially return to service after receiving its certificate of release to service.Why Nagpur?Nagpur was chosen for several reasons: Its long, sturdy runway can accommodate a Boeing 777; the airport experiences low air traffic, making test flights safer; and the MRO facility has hangars, specialized equipment, and trained personnel.
