SkyRyse is now running a daily, active flight campaign powered by fly-by-wire and its FlightOS interface. SkyRyse has been actively testing FlightOS in a Robinson R44 since 2018 and held its first flight in the R66 testbed in 2022. With the maturity of FlightOS and advancement in simplified operations, SkyRyse is now moving its daily FlightOS testing to the Robinson R66, the aircraft in which it plans to earn its STC (supplemental type certificate) from the FAA. The Robinson R66 testbed now includes production versions of both FlightOS and a full production-representative sensor suite confirming SkyRyse's imminent market entry.

FlightOS is a highly-automated flight control system and universal flight deck bringing commercial-level safety to general aviation. Its intuitive, easy-to-use controls remove the complexity of learning to fly, making piloting any aircraft simple, sensible and safe. The system provides situational awareness and real-time feedback on flight performance and automates complex flight functions, including take off, landing and ground avoidance. In the Robinson R66 test craft, all left-seat mechanical controls have been removed and replaced with its production-representative FlightOS software system and sensor suite that will also be applied to the company's conforming aircraft for FAA type certification.

The Robinson R44 was the company's first FlightOS testbed in 2018, maintaining its traditional mechanical and manual controls while managing the aircraft through FlightOS. The increased testing in the Robinson R66 validates five years of research testing of flight control laws and flight envelope management, representing significant progress toward certification.

"With five years of flight testing and development, we are now at a stage of our flight campaign where the controls and sensor suite are successfully managing the aircraft every day," says founder and CEO Dr Mark Groden. "By replacing manual systems and actively testing FlightOS, our systems have the pedigree of five years of in-flight testing. The idea of simpler, safer flight will be a reality very soon, not decades from now."

The company has been working closely with the FAA and has agreed that no new rule making is required, as FlightOS is comprised 100 per cent of known and certified parts and technologies.

It has also achieved AS9100D certification for all three of its Los Angeles area locations: its headquarters and research and development site in El Segundo, California and its flight test and performance facility north of Los Angeles. This certification is a vital step for aerospace manufacturers to ensure that companies produce high-quality products at competitive costs with consistent standards.

"Achieving AS9100D certification is a significant milestone for SkyRyse, validating our commitment to producing high-quality, general aviation hardware and software and delivering revolutionary flight safety through exceptional quality and service," says Groden. "This certification is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication. We are committed to meeting the highest standards in everything we do, and our AS9100D certification is a critical step in providing safe flight for all."

AS9100D certification covers product design, development, production and servicing. It also includes risk management, supply chain management and continuous improvement requirements. The certification positions SkyRyse to expand its presence in the aerospace industry.