FAA Issues Tailored Safety Rules for Upgraded R66 Helicopter
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Rule
Summary
Skyryse is upgrading the Robinson R66 helicopter with a cool new digital fly-by-wire control system that’s different from what current safety rules cover. Because of this, the FAA is setting special safety rules to make sure the helicopter stays just as safe as before. These new rules kick in on June 5, 2026, affecting Skyryse, Robinson, and anyone flying or certifying these helicopters.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
FBW R66 Must Prove Longitudinal Stability
The Robinson Model R66 helicopter as modified by Skyryse with a four-axis full authority digital fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system must be shown to have suitable static longitudinal stability in any condition normally encountered in service. The showing must be based primarily on positive control movement and include assessment of handling qualities, pilot workload, cues, and pilot compensation. These special conditions are effective June 5, 2026 and become part of the type certification basis.
Special Conditions Follow To Other R00015LA Models
If Skyryse or another applicant later applies for a supplemental type certificate to install the same FBW feature on any other model included on Type Certificate No. R00015LA, these same special conditions will apply to that model as well. That means future applicants modifying any other R00015LA models to incorporate this novel FBW design must meet the same longitudinal stability showing.
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