2004: Finished Naysmyth telescope (supplied by DLR) mated into the modified aircraft and tested.

2006, April: All major structural modifications to the aircraft completed.

2007, April: First test flights of the Observatory.

2008, January: Closed door testing completed.

2008, June: First coating of primary mirror.

2008, June: Call for white papers for "Short Science" participation.

2008, September: Coated primary mirror delivered to Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility (DAOF).

2008, October: Short Science white papers reviewed, and selections announced.

2009, Summer/Fall: First open door flights.
     FORCAST and GREAT instrument checkout and verification.

2009, Fall/Winter: Call for proposals for "Basic Science" (contingent on successful open door flights).
     Deadline for submission, call date + 2 months.
     Results announced, call date + 5 months.

2010, Spring: Short Science observations.

2010, Summer/Fall: Basic Science observations.

2010, Fall/Winter: FIFI-LS science flights.

2011: Call for proposals for new instruments.

2011/2012: "Observatory Characterization and Demonstration Science" (OCDS) proposal call and observations.

2014: Full Operational Capability.