Regulations and Government
FAA Floats Certification Path for Leonardo AW609 Tiltrotor
The FAA is seeking public comment on certification standards it has developed for the Leonardo AW609 civil tiltrotor.
Leonardo AW609 tiltrotor  in flight over company hangar
The FAA is seeking public comment on certification standards it has developed for the Leonardo AW609 civil tiltrotor. (Photo: Leonardo)

As certification of the Leonardo AW609 civil tiltrotor appears to be nearing the finish line, the FAA today requested public comment on proposed certification criteria for the aircraft. The comment period closes July 10.

It appears the FAA intends to certify the AW609 as a special class aircraft under FAR 21.17 (b) and before issuing formal powered-lift airworthiness standards, the latter widely anticipated in 2024 and that will largely impact eVTOL aircraft. Ahead of that, the FAA is announcing applicable regulations and other airworthiness criteria developed specifically for the AW609 that include applicable parts of certification standards for both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft under FAR Parts 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, and 35.

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