EASA Pilots Fly Leonardo AW609 Tiltrotor for the First Time

The Italian helicopter maker’s test program is aimed at certifying the aircraft with European and U.S. aviation agencies.

Jonathan Welsh

Friday, March 24, 2023 at 04:12 PM ET

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A Leonardo AW609 tiltrotor performs a test flight. [Courtesy: Leonardo Helicopters]

Key Takeaways:

Leonardo Helicopters' AW609 civilian tiltrotor recently underwent familiarization flight testing with EASA officials, following similar tests with the FAA, as it progresses through its certification process.
The AW609 combines the takeoff and landing flexibility of a helicopter with the higher cruising speed (up to twice a helicopter) and range of an airplane, designed to fly at altitudes up to 25,000 feet.
This tiltrotor aircraft is well-suited for missions including business transport, medical, rescue, and emergency services, having undergone decades of development since its inception in the 1990s.

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Last week a flight crew from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) joined Leonardo Helicopters in its test program for the AW609, a civilian tiltrotor aircraft the company has been developing for several years.

The familiarization testing, which took place on March 16 and 17, marked the first time EASA officials flew the AW609. Pilots from the FAA had taken part in similar flight tests in February, the company said. The aircraft is moving through the certification process with both agencies.