Pilot Gregg Pointon "flies" from the cockpit of a Boeing 787 full-flight simulator. (Elaine Thompson/AP)

Mechanics going through Boeing Co.’s 25-day training course for its coming 787 Dreamliner learn to fix all kinds of problems, from broken lights in the cabin to major glitches with its flight controls. One thing they won’t soon do: touch one of the planes.

Using both laptop and desktop computers inside a classroom festooned with huge diagrams, airline mechanics will train on a system that displays an interactive 787 cockpit, as well as a 3-D exterior of the plane. Using a mouse, the mechanics can “walk” around the jet, open virtual maintenance access panels and go inside the plane to repair and replace parts. Get the full story »