SkyRyse has received a Special Airworthiness Certificate for its first SkyRyse One aircraft.

SkyRyse has been developing and flight testing its SkyOS system in pre-production aircraft since 2016. This certificate, issued by the FAA, unlocks the next step of work with the administration to obtain approval and certification of the SkyRyse One aircraft.

“This milestone represents another important step in our mission of making flight simpler and safer for everyone,” says CEO Mark Groden. “We appreciate the continued cooperation and partnership with the FAA as we work toward our shared goal of eliminating fatalities in aviation.”

SkyRyse’s proprietary SkyOS system powers its first aircraft, the SkyRyse One, a retrofitted Robinson R66. The system gives pilots greater control by simplifying the management of an aircraft during standard flight operations, inclement weather and emergencies.

Complex mechanical controls have been replaced with a single four-axis control stick reminiscent of that found in an F-35, thanks to a completely integrated fly-by-wire system and flight control software. The control stick is combined with two intuitive touch screens.

The fly-by-wire flight system is not an autopilot but a true full four-axis flight control system flown with the SkyOS operating system.

Dynamic envelope protection continuously combines pilot inputs, environmental conditions, aircraft status and flight parameters to keep the aircraft in a safe envelope.

SkyOS can quickly recognise a power failure and will automatically enter into an autorotation, automating the glide, flare and set-down, with the pilot in control.

The SkyRyse One will auto-pickup and set-down at a pilot's command with just one simple swipe on the screen.

Traditional helicopters require a complex synchronisation of all four controls; SkyOS simplifies all that, assisting pilots by maintaining a hover at their command, without hands or feet.

SkyRyse One is continuously stabilised by SkyOS, so the pilot can let go of the controls at any time and the aircraft will stay inside a safe flight envelope.

Traditional helicopters are started through a lengthy multi-step startup procedure, whereas the SkyRyse One automates all of that, allowing a pilot to start the engine by swiping right on the screen.

The SkyRyse One will be fully certified for Instrument Flight Rules, at half the cost of an IFR-certified helicopter.