The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection could soon equip aircraft with single-pilot or optionally piloted capabilities. [Courtesy: Skyryse]
Key Takeaways:
California's Cal Fire, battling increasingly severe wildfires and facing pilot shortages, is partnering with Skyryse to integrate its SkyOS flight operating system into its aerial firefighting fleet.
SkyOS replaces traditional mechanical flight controls with simplified digital fly-by-wire systems and a single joystick, designed to enhance safety, reduce pilot workload, and improve operational efficiency.
The system offers features like automated takeoffs, landings, and emergency autorotation, and can enable optionally piloted operations to keep first responders out of harm's way while maximizing their impact in dynamic firefighting environments.
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.
