Federal Register #FAA-2026-1585

FAA proposes special conditions for Robinson R66 helicopter modified by Skyryse with digital fly-by-wire system

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing special conditions for the Robinson Helicopter Company Model R66, which has been modified by Skyryse to incorporate a digital fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - OEMs and Vendors: - Robinson Helicopter Company - Skyryse - Products/Services Requested: - No physical products or services are being procured; the notice concerns regulatory requirements for certification of the modified helicopter - Unique or Notable Requirements: - The R66 helicopter is equipped with a fully digital FBW system, replacing traditional mechanical controls - Existing airworthiness standards (14 CFR Part 27) do not address this technology, prompting the FAA to propose new safety standards - Special conditions focus on ensuring pilots are aware when flight controls approach operational limits - FAA is seeking public comments on these proposed safety standards - Technical Context: - The digital FBW system represents a significant innovation in helicopter flight control - Certification will require additional safety measures to address pilot awareness and control margin limits

Description

This proposed rule by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addresses special conditions for the Robinson Helicopter Company Model R66 helicopter as modified by Skyryse. The modification introduces a novel digital fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system replacing the traditional mechanical controls. The existing airworthiness standards do not adequately cover this new design feature, so the FAA proposes additional safety standards to ensure pilot awareness of control margin limits to maintain safety equivalent to current standards. Comments on the proposal are due by October 13, 2026.

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