FARMINGTON – A France-based helicopter company has come to test a prototype helicopter at the Four Corners Regional Airport in Farmington where mid-altitude conditions and warm weather can be found.
Experimental flight test engineer Nicolas Certain tells The Daily Times that the test performed this week involves mimicking engine failure.
He says the test is necessary so Airbus Helicopters’ H160 can receive certification from both the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Prior to visiting Farmington, the crew tested the H160 helicopter in the hot temperatures of Lake Havasu, Arizona. Its next stop will be Leadville, Colorado, where the crew will test its ability to fly at high altitude.
Airbus hopes to get the helicopter certified so it can start selling it by 2019.
