Boeing has completed final gauntlet testing on the first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental.
Gauntlet testing simulates flight conditions to test systems and ensure flight readiness. During the testing, Boeing test pilots put the airplane through its paces. Gauntlet testing is a crucial step in the path toward first flight.
First flight of the 747-8 Intercontinental will occur after final flight readiness reviews, receipt of documentation from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and taxi testing. According to several sources the first flight could happen already next weekend.
Source: Boeing