What Happened
Single-Engine Helicopter Moves Closer To Instrument Flight Rules
The Robinson R66 is poised to receive instrument flight rules (IFR) certification as early as 2027, making it one of the most affordable single-engine helicopters to offer this capability. The certification push was driven by the US Army’s Flight School Next contract, which requires IFR certification for the training of up to 1,500 Army pilots annually. The R66 IFR variant will feature additional safety features, including dual autopilot servos and heated pitot tubes. According to Robinson Helicopter Company president and CEO David Smith, the certification will provide a more affordable option for training and private flights, and could help advance the goal of making IFR a standard operation in the helicopter industry. This development was first reported by Vertical Mag.