Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. After spending several years in the Pacific Northwest, she has returned to the Knoxville area.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

The FAA has published <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-08-28/html/2026-17661.htm">proposed special conditions</a> for the certification of Skyryse’s fly-by-wire flight control system in the Robinson R66 helicopter. It notes that the fully digital system is a novel design feature not addressed by existing FAR Part 27 regulations for control margin awareness—a cue pilots normally feel, and one the fly-by-wire system will have to synthesize. Public comments on the proposal are due by October 13.
Skyryse of El Segundo, California, applied in 2023 for a supplemental type certificate to install its SkyOS flight control system in the R66 light turbine-single helicopter. A production-representative&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-01-09/skyryse-unveils-cockpit-design-fly-wire-r66">cockpit design for the converted R66</a>, called Skyryse One, was revealed in January 2025, replacing mechanical controls with a single control stick and touchscreen displays.
Existing Part 27 rules—written to address hydromechanical flight control systems—assume that pilots gauge control margins by the cyclic and pedal positions relative to cockpit control stops. Skyryse’s fly-by-wire system removes the tactile link between cockpit controls and the main and tail rotor actuator positions. The proposed condition would require the system to make flight crews “suitably aware whenever the means of primary flight control approaches the limits of control authority.”
The special conditions apply only to the crewed conversion. Skyryse and Robinson separately agreed in June to adapt the R66 into&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2026-06-25/skyryse-and-robinson-develop-uncrewed-r66-helicopter">an uncrewed variant</a> for defense missions using the same SkyOS platform.

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

FAA Proposes Special Conditions for Skyryse’s Fly-by-wire R66 Helicopter

Proposed rule addresses pilot awareness of control limits

The FAA has proposed special conditions for the certification of Skyryse’s fly-by-wire flight control system in the Robinson R66 helicopter.

FAA Floats Special Conditions for Skyryse Fly-by-wire R66

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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In this article

Robinson R66

Skyryse

Robinson Helicopter Company

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