FAA approves Reliable Robotics' path to autonomy certification

In the announcement the Mountain View, California-based company said, “The final G-1 issue paper defines the certification basis for the company’s Supplemental Type Certification (STC) on the Cessna 208 Caravan, a popular cargo aircraft. This STC will enhance safety by enabling continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of aircraft operation, including taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing, braking and rollout, with a single pilot on board for abnormal procedures.”

For those unfamiliar with G-1 issue papers, this means that the pathway laid out by Reliable Robotics for certification was accepted as valid by the FAA. The company explains, “The FAA uses 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 signed G-1 issue paper represents formal agreement between Reliable Robotics and the FAA on the applicable airworthiness and environmental requirements for the company’s advanced automation system. 

“We are very appreciative of the FAA’s noteworthy attention to detail and ongoing support,” said Mark Mondt, Director of Certification at Reliable Robotics. “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.”

With their advanced automation system, Reliable Robotics hopes to reduce the occurrence of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) and Loss of Control (LOC) accidents, which remain the top two causes of fatal accidents in small aircrafts.