SkyOS creator Skyryse has been approved to enter for-credit flight testing with the FAA. As the first production helicopter to feature a single control stick and two touch screens, Skyryse One, replaces conventional, complex mechanical flight controls with its SkyOS operating system, creating a streamlined, intuitive interface and fly-by-wire system that enhances safety in all flying conditions.

Built on the Rolls Royce-powered Robinson R66 platform, Skyryse One is a landmark advancement in aviation safety and pilot control. Entering FAA for-credit testing represents a critical milestone in FAA certification, ultimately paving the way for a new era of accessibility in general aviation, including private and commercial applications.

Reservations for the first edition of Skyryse One, which was first announced in 2024, sold out within six months. Skyryse One is scheduled to be delivered in 2026, and the company is continuing to accept reservations at $2,500 for the next edition of the Skyryse One aircraft, with final pricing based on customisation and delivery preferences.

“Our goal is to make aviation safer and more accessible for everyone across personal, commercial and military,” says Mark Groden, founder and CEO of Skyryse. “Between signing a new agreement with the US Army this year, and now entering for-credit testing with the FAA, we're gaining momentum toward scaling our aviation software across the industry. Starting for-credit flight testing with the FAA is not just a technical milestone; it's a major step toward making aviation so simple and safe that anyone can fly any aircraft.”

In addition to accelerating its testing programme for Skyryse One, Skyryse recently entered into an agreement with the US Army to develop solutions to reduce the time it takes to train for pilots, increase interoperability between aircraft and deliver optionally-piloted capability that could be applied to its fleet of 2,400 Black Hawk helicopters, among others.

As testing progresses, Skyryse continues working closely with the FAA to demonstrate the capabilities and reliability of SkyOS, bringing the company closer to certification and commercial availability.