Federal Register #FAA-2025-2303

FAA Issues Special Conditions for Robinson R66 Helicopter Modified by Skyryse with Digital Fly-By-Wire System

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued special regulatory conditions for the Robinson R66 helicopter, which has been modified by Skyryse: - Government buyer/regulator: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation - OEMs involved: - Robinson Helicopter Company (manufacturer of the R66 helicopter) - Skyryse (modifier and integrator of the digital fly-by-wire system) - Products/services referenced: - Robinson R66 helicopter (platform) - Four-axis full authority digital fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system (FCS) by Skyryse - Unique requirements: - Special conditions address a novel or unusual design feature (digital FBW FCS) not covered by existing airworthiness standards - Emphasis on demonstrating suitable static longitudinal stability under all flight conditions, including atmospheric disturbances - Additional safety standards required to ensure the modified helicopter achieves a level of safety equivalent to current regulations - No procurement or acquisition of products/services is occurring; this is a regulatory certification action - Focus is on compliance demonstration and safety validation for the modified aircraft

Description

These special conditions are issued for the Robinson Helicopter Company Model R66 helicopter as modified by Skyryse, which includes a novel design feature: a four-axis full authority digital fly-by-wire flight control system. The existing airworthiness standards do not adequately address safety standards for this design feature. The special conditions establish additional safety standards to ensure a level of safety equivalent to current standards. The conditions focus on ensuring suitable static longitudinal stability for the helicopter under various flight conditions.

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