The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the fatal crash of a Fly Precision firefighting helicopter that went down in Yosemite National Park while battling the Dome Fire. [Credit: Skyryse]
Key Takeaways:
Cal Fire is partnering with Skyryse to integrate its SkyOS universal flight operating system into its aerial firefighting fleet, aiming to address increasing wildfire challenges and pilot shortages.
SkyOS replaces traditional aircraft controls with electric fly-by-wire systems and simplified digital displays, operated by a single joystick, designed to make flying easier and safer.
The system is intended to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and scale the impact of firefighting pilots through automation, including features like automated takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures, and by enabling optionally piloted operations.
This innovative technology seeks to revolutionize aerial firefighting by reducing accident rates and allowing pilots to focus more effectively on the mission, ultimately aiding in critical fire suppression efforts.
In January, California faced devastating wildfires that burned over 57,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and killed at least 30 people. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) operates the world’s largest civil aerial firefighting fleet.
In recent years, though, increasingly larger blazes have stretched the program thin.
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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.
![The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the fatal crash of a Fly Precision firefighting helicopter that went down in Yosemite National Park while battling the Dome Fire. [Credit: Skyryse]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CAL-FIRE-Skyryse-No-Text.png)
