“one other question, planes have de-icing systems that work in flight”

The aircraft has an ANTI icing system that is designied to prevent ice from forming on on the leading edges. If it is left off and ice does start to form switching it on will de ice the leading edges, the airflow will remove the ice from the rest of the wing.

“these don’t work on the ground because they rely on hot air from the engines”

Yes but it will only remove the ice from the leading edge any way. Also you can operated it on the ground for a short time to test it.

“BUT the 787 is going to have an all-electric de-icing system”

Yes but to be picky there is going to be a small bleed off the engines to anti ice the engine nose cowls.

“the APU probably isn’t powerful enough to run this, but perhaps they could ‘plug-in’ the aircraft at the gate? Any chance of this happening”

As above only the leading edges will be di iced any way.

Electric motors in the wheels. I think Boeing are working on that.

Covered ramp areas. The ramp is a cold, wet, dark and miserable place to work some times. I wouldn’t have it any other way!!!!
Also if the ramp was covered, how would you guys get any pictures?!!!!

Rgds Cking