FAA Crafts Special Rules for Helicopter's Digital Fly-by-Wire Makeover
Published Date: 8/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
This action proposes special conditions for the Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R66 helicopter. This helicopter, as modified by Skyryse, will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for normal category helicopters. This design feature replaces the mechanical flight controls with a digital fly-by-wire FBW system. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FBW must warn pilots of control limits
If the Robinson Model R66 is modified with Skyryse's fly-by-wire system, the aircraft must include design features that make the flight crew suitably aware whenever the primary flight control approaches the limits of control authority (main rotor and tail rotor). The special condition requires the system to provide pilots with awareness of proximity to control limits because there is no mechanical link between cockpit controls and rotor actuator positions.
Special conditions apply to applicant/model only
These proposed special conditions are initially applicable only to the Robinson Model R66 as modified by Skyryse and affect the applicant who requested approval. If the applicant later seeks a supplemental type certificate to modify other models on the same type certificate to include the same design feature, these special conditions would also apply to those other models.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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