FAA could allow Dreamliner test flights soon

SEATTLE -- The aviation giant Boeing submitted an application to conduct test flights on the embattled 787 to the Federal Aviation Administration Monday.

Boeing officials said Monday they submitted an application to conduct the test flights, and the application is currently under evaluation by the FAA.

According to the Seattle Times, the FAA is likely to grant Boeing's request by Monday evening, and the 787 could again be in the air later this week for testing.

The tests should gather data on the troubled lithium ion battery that has grounded all 787 aircraft since January, the Times reported. Though passenger service wouldn't resume anytime soon, the tests are the first steps in getting the troubled airplane back in the air.

The FAA ordered the Dreamliner's grounding after battery incidents caused emergency landings.