Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The Skyryse One, a Robinson R66 helicopter modified with fly-by-wire flight controls and a single-control user interface, has received a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA. The certificate is another step toward supplemental type certification of the Skyryse One and facilitates further flight testing on the way to planned FAA approval next year.&nbsp;
According to Skyryse, “The special airworthiness certificate we received is issued to allow companies to show compliance with regulations (like for the issuance of type and supplemental type certificates), R&amp;D, and crew training.” With the certificate in hand, Skyryse plans to begin flight testing with a production version of the Skyryse One.
<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-07-21/skyryse-simulator-demonstrates-future-flight-control">Modification of the R66</a> involves removal of all the existing flight controls and actuators and replacement with Skyryse’s fly-by-wire flight control system and SkyOS operating system software. The pilot interface is a single control stick and two touchscreen displays. Essentially, the SkyOS enables full functionality of the R66 while providing envelope protection that prevents the pilot from flying outside the helicopter’s limitations. The modified helicopter has also demonstrated automated full-down autorotations without any pilot intervention.&nbsp;
“Today's milestone represents another important step in our mission of making flight simpler and safer for everyone,” said&nbsp;Mark Groden, CEO of&nbsp;Skyryse. “We appreciate the continued cooperation and partnership with the FAA as we work toward our shared goal of eliminating fatalities in aviation.”

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

FAA Issues Special Airworthiness Cert for Skyryse One Fly-by-wire Helicopter

Single-flight-control user interface makes helicopter flying safer and easier

The special airworthiness certificate is a step towards supplemental type certification of the Skyryse One helicopter and it facilitates further flight testing. 

FAA Issues Special Airworthiness Cert for Skyryse One

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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