On 16-17^th March, in Cascina Costa di Samarate (Italy), EASA CT staff were given the chance to fly the AW609. The EASA flight crew took part in the first round of familiarisation activities for the AW609 programme. This event marks the first time EASA has flown the AW609, after the FAA’s pre-TIA (Type Inspection Authorization) flight test activities were completed on 22th February.

EASA’s accomplishment is another key milestone for the programme, it represents an important step forward in the final stages of the certification process. Leonardo’s team would like to thank the Agency who made this flight activities achievable. This enables the AW609 programme to keep the right pace on the validation process, together with the FAA certification path.