Also: Van Horn Aviation, Aero-Calendar, AF1 Encounter, USAF Pilots, Leonardo, Air Plains, Duncan Aviation

The AW609 TiltRotor program is expected to start icing trials soon following recent ground and flight testing activities. These advances have been made in support of FAA certification, which reportedly remains on track for 2018.

The third airframe prototype, based at Leonardo’s facility in Philadelphia, performed several weeks of unrestrained ground testing and, more recently, flight trials that allowed avionics and all systems to be fully tested. During initial flights, the aircraft performed basic hovering and maneuvering and patterns around the airport, concluding with hover landing. This could be one of the aviation world’s biggest conflicts for the next several years... Over 60% of voters recently polled, oppose privatizing the operations of the air traffic control system by “taking it from the FAA and turning it over to a non-profit corporation,” according to a recent telephone survey. The survey was conducted by Global Strategy Group. They found that over 60% oppose privatizing the air traffic control functions of the FAA. Fully 62% oppose privatizing the ATC functions of the FAA “by taking it from the FAA and turning it over to a non-profit corporation,” while 26% support it. Drone racing continues to pick up support as it demonstrates that such a futuristic sport can gather huge eyeballs, online and in-person. And here’s the next step... A multi-year global partnership has been inked between the Drone Racing League (DRL) and the Allianz insurance brand. Allianz will be the title sponsor of DRL’s race series. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!

Airborne 02.14.17 is chock full of info in this Daily News Episode, Tuesday, February 14th, 2017... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Hosts Brianne Cross, Christopher Odom, and Laura Hutson, and is supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalist Tom Patton, this episode covers:

• AW609 Program Moves Forward Preparing For Icing Trials 
• Majority Of Voters Oppose Privatizing ATC 
• Van Horn Aviation Achieves First Flight Of 206L Main Blades
• Drone Racing League Series Adds 2017 Title Sponsor 
• Aero-Calendar
• FAA Investigates 'Loss Of Separation' Incident Involving Air Force One 
• Air Force Chief Calls For Lower Commercial Flight-Hour Standard 
• Leonardo To Compete For U.S. Air Force Advanced Pilot Training System Program
• Air Plains Services Marks 40 Years As Extreme Performance Leader 
• Duncan Aviation Transforms Challenger Aircraft 

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