Autonomous aircraft systems developer Reliable Robotics said the FAA has accepted the certification basis for its navigation and autoflight system. This paves the way for the system’s supplemental type certification (STC) on the Cessna 208 Caravan, providing continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of aircraft operation—taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing, braking, and rollout—with a single pilot on board to handle abnormal procedures.
“We are very appreciative of the FAA’s noteworthy attention to detail and ongoing support,” said Reliable Robotics certification director Mark Mondt. “This certification basis is the culmination of years of work with the FAA and represents a key step towards bringing advanced navigation and autoflight systems to normal-category aircraft. We look forward to continuing our work together as we move into the next phase of the certification process.”
According to Reliable Robotics, the FAA uses these issue papers “to provide a structured means of describing and tracking the resolution of significant technical and regulatory issues that occur during a certification project.” The company added that the system will help to reduce controlled flight into terrain and loss of control in flight accidents, which are the top two causes of fatal accidents in small aircraft.