Pope Benedict XVI departure from his papal duties will gain media attention from around the world, but one fact about him remains little known.
The Pope is a helicopter pilot.
The Pope has a pilot’s license for the papal helicopter and even likes to fly from the Vatican to the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, according to the Catholic News Agency’s “Fun Facts” section. But he does not have a driver’s license and never learned to drive a car.
Boeing has delivered the first 777 airplane at an increased production rate of 8.3 per month, or 100 airplanes a year, the company said.
The plane, a 777 Freighter, was delivered to Korean Air.
In the past 32 months, production rates on the 777 have increased twice. Rates rose from five to seven per month in 2011 before increasing to a record 8.3 per month.
Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita builds the nose section and nacelles of the 777. Its Tulsa plant builds the wing’s leading edges.
Spirit increased increased production on the plane to meet Boeing’s demand.
Through the end of January, Boeing has delivered 1,072 777s. The company has taken orders for 1,451 777s from 66 customers.
