Reliable Robotics conducts an uncrewed flight of an automated Cessna 208B Caravan in November 2023. [Credit: Reliable Robotics]
Key Takeaways:
NASA awarded Reliable Robotics a contract for operational demonstration flights using its automated Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, aiming to provide data that will inform the FAA and standards organizations on developing regulations for larger uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
The demonstrations will simulate regional air cargo operations, covering complex maneuvers, air traffic control interactions, and contingency scenarios like lost communication links, with a final fully uncrewed flight.
This initiative, alongside military contracts and ongoing FAA and NASA collaborations, is a critical step towards FAA certification and commercial integration of large autonomous aircraft, designed to achieve safety levels comparable to crewed flights.
The FAA has made steady progress on regulations for emerging technologies like small drones, such as Part 107, and powered-lift aircraft, such as the 2024 special federal aviation regulation outlining pilot training and early operational requirements for the category.
Rules for larger uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) remain nebulous. But that could soon change.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
