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FAA, Reliable Robotics Agree on Testing Criteria for Automated Aircraft System

The firm intends to retrofit Cessna 208B Caravans and other aircraft with technology that reduces pilot-induced accidents.

Reliable automated Cessna Caravan
Reliable Robotics completed the first flight of a remotely piloted Cessna Caravan with no one on board in December. [Courtesy: Reliable Robotics]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Reliable Robotics has achieved FAA acceptance for the requirements of its advanced automated navigation and autopilot systems, which automate all phases of flight and were notably used in the company's historic uncrewed cargo flight in December.
  • The company's Remotely Operated Aircraft System (ROAS) is designed to significantly improve aviation safety by reducing pilot error, with initial applications supplementing a single onboard pilot in Cessna Caravans.
  • This FAA acceptance is a crucial step in the certification process, with the aircraft-agnostic technology envisioned for broader deployment across various cargo aircraft and military operations.
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A company that retrofits Cessna 208B Caravans with automated systems—and which flew the first such aircraft with no one on board in December—announced the FAA has accepted the requirements for its advanced aircraft navigation and autopilot systems, which help automate all phases of flight from taxi to takeoff and landing.

Reliable Robotics, which completed the landmark flight using its remotely operated aircraft system (ROAS), claims to be the first in the industry to agree on a testing and analysis campaign for these systems with the FAA. The company will demonstrate how its ROAS aligns with the regulator’s safety and performance requirements for operations in the contiguous U.S. and Alaska.

Jack Daleo

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.

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