![]() This will be capable of flying an entire mission with the pilot not touching the controls and meeting Part 23 certification reliability standards. “The first thing we’re doing is an advanced autopilot,” he said. In the first stages of its automation plan, the Reliable Robotics system will operate the airplane, while a safety pilot flies along to handle any contingencies such as an engine failure. The Part 135 charter operation is based in the Boston area and overseen by the FAA’s Boston Flight Standards District Office, although the decision on where the Caravans will fly has not yet been made, according to Rose. Once elements of the Reliable Robotics automation system achieve certification, those will be added to the cargo Caravans, he explained. "Automated aircraft present a massive opportunity to transform the cargo industry over the next several years," Rose said. Jeff Drees, who recently joined Reliable Robotics, brings years of experience in air cargo, having been co-owner and chief commercial officer for regional air cargo carrier Ameriflight. The company plans to start flying cargo in Caravans in the first half of 2022 in the traditional fashion with one pilot at the helm. ![]() ![]() To gain experience, Reliable Robotics obtained a Part 135 charter operator's certificate and began flying passengers earlier this year in a Cirrus SR22. Last year, Reliable Robotics projected certification in two years, “and we’re on track.” “The main thing we need to do first is get certified with the FAA,” Rose told FutureFlight. The company has grown to more than 70 employees from 40 last year. Earlier this year, the company demonstrated the remote operation of a Caravan (carrying a safety pilot on board) 50 miles from its Mountain View control center. “Progress has been steady,” said Reliable Robotics co-founder and CEO Robert Rose. Pilots will still be involved in the operation of the aircraft, initially Cessna Caravan single-engine turboprops, but they will be based on the ground and will simply be available to assist when needed. The recent news that Reliable Robotics has completed a $100 million funding round gives a significant boost to the Mountain View, California company’s efforts to develop automatic systems that it says will make flying safer and eventually remove pilots from the flight deck.
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