What Happened
Autonomous Aircraft Systems Advance With FAA Pilot Program
Reliable Robotics has successfully completed its first autonomous flights at the Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico, as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Advanced Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Pilot Program. The automated Cessna 208B Grand Caravan performed various autonomous operations, including auto-taxi, auto-takeoff, and auto-landing, under the supervision of a remote pilot and an onboard safety pilot. This milestone marks a significant step towards the safe integration of autonomous aircraft into commercial aviation, with potential applications in regional air cargo operations. The program was first reported by Morningstar.