# FAA approves TIA Phase 4B, opening the largest remaining block of 777-9 certification flights

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/faa-approves-tia-phase-4b-opening-the-largest-remaining-block-of-777-9-8f76873e
Date: Jun 2026
About: [Boeing](https://technooptimist.io/companies/boeing.md) · [Boeing 777X](https://technooptimist.io/aviation/777x.md)
Original source: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2026/06/08/boeing-777x-clears-major-faa-milestone/

The FAA granted Type Inspection Authorization Phase 4B for the 777-9, letting FAA pilots and engineers join flight tests for the largest remaining part of the certification campaign. It covers avionics, stability and control, and human-factors testing. ETOPS, the approval for long flights far from diversion airports, sits in a later phase.

## Key facts

- Phase 4B follows the smaller Phase 4A; Boeing's Stephanie Pope disclosed it on June 6, 2026
- Covers avionics, stability and control, and human-factors flight tests
- ETOPS falls under Phase 5; Ortberg expects it to be the one item past year-end
- First delivery still targeted for early 2027, if certification lands in time

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