787 Dreamliner took to the sky for the first time on Dec. 15, 2009.

Airplane 1 taking off from Paine Field in Everett, Wash., on Dec. 15, 2009.

First flight marked the beginning of the 787 flight test program.

Landing gear were left down for much of the first flight.

The first 787 landed at Boeing Field on Dec. 15, 2009.

Equipment onboard the airplane helps engineers monitor airplane response.

There are many parameters monitored while the airplane is operating.

The second 787 flew on Dec. 22, 2009.

It takes a team to make sure the 787 is ready to fly.

Everything has to be right.

Flight test includes a variety of test conditions.

Access panels give technicians access to the airplane.

Pilots and program leaders share a moment on the runway.

Flight testing continued on Airplane 1 in late December 2009.

Technicians rely on radios to share information with others working on the airplane.

Technicians are careful with their tools.

Airplane 1 over the city of Seattle - December 2009.

Sun sets on Seattle and the 787.

The 787 chief pilot confers with the vice president/chief engineer of Systems.

December takeoff from Boeing Field.

Technicians look at the nacelle.