FAA Proposes Special Conditions For Skyryse

The FAA has proposed special certification conditions for Skyryse's SkyOS fly-by-wire system, which replaces conventional controls in the Robinson R66

The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed special conditions for the certification of Skyryse's SkyOS flight-control system. This fly-by-wire platform is being installed in Robinson R66 helicopters under a supplemental type certificate application from April 2023.

Skyryse's modification, called the Skyryse One, replaces the helicopter's conventional cyclic, collective, and pedals with a single control stick and touchscreen interfaces. The software-driven system is designed to manage many flight functions that a pilot would normally handle directly. The FAA announced the proposal on Friday and is accepting public comments on it through October 13.

FAA Focuses On Control-Limit Awareness

The core of the FAA's proposal addresses how pilots will know when the helicopter is nearing the limits of its control authority. In a standard R66, the physical position of the controls relative to their mechanical stops provides inherent feedback to the pilot. The SkyOS system removes this direct mechanical link between the cockpit controls and the main and tail rotors.

To compensate, the proposed special condition would require SkyOS to provide pilots with a clear indication when primary flight controls are approaching their operational limits. The FAA stated that, for the context of this rule, the term 'suitable' indicates an appropriate balance between nuisance and necessary operation. The agency's focus is on ensuring safety is not degraded by the new technology.

Skyryse Moves Through Certification

Skyryse has marketed the SkyOS platform as a tool to simplify flying. The system is intended to automate or assist with complex tasks like takeoff, landing, and aircraft stabilization. The company announced in February that the modified R66 had entered for-credit flight testing with the FAA.

The proposed special conditions would form part of the official certification basis for the fly-by-wire R66. They apply specifically to the novel issues introduced by replacing mechanical controls with a computer-mediated system. This step is a procedural part of the supplemental type certificate process Skyryse initiated last year.

The public comment period is now open. Stakeholders have until mid-October to submit feedback on the FAA's proposed requirements for pilot awareness of control limits in the fly-by-wire R66.

Source: AVweb