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 flight operating system into its aerial firefighting fleet to address increasingly severe wildfires and combat pilot shortages.
SkyOS is a universal fly-by-wire flight operating system that replaces traditional mechanical controls with simplified digital displays and a single joystick, enabling single-pilot or optionally piloted operations.
This technology aims to enhance safety for first responders, improve efficiency in demanding flight environments, and allow pilots to focus more effectively on the critical mission of fighting fires.
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)
