Skyryse Raises $200M to Simplify Aircraft Flight

Skyryse Secures $200 Million Series B for FlightOS Development

The five-year-old aviation technology company, Skyryse, has successfully obtained $200 million in Series B funding. This investment will be directed towards the continued development of FlightOS, a comprehensive flight automation technology.

Skyryse asserts that FlightOS is designed to enhance the capabilities of seasoned pilots when operating novel aircraft types. Furthermore, the system aims to significantly reduce the learning curve for individuals new to aviation.

Retrofitting Existing Aircraft with Flight Automation

A key feature of FlightOS is its adaptability. The company states that the technology can be retrofitted into virtually any aircraft. This capability could potentially broaden access to flight control, making it available to individuals proficient with touchscreens and joysticks.

Currently, the system utilizes an iPad as its primary interface. However, Skyryse has indicated that this will be superseded by “aviation certified touchscreens” in the final product iteration.

System Components and Cost Considerations

The FlightOS stack comprises not only the touchscreen and joystick but also actuators and advanced flight control computers. These components are intended to replace existing mechanical systems within an aircraft.

This one-for-one replacement strategy is designed to be “cost neutral,” enabling aircraft manufacturers to produce vehicles equipped with FlightOS at comparable costs to those utilizing conventional systems.

Shift in Focus: From Operator to Technology Provider

Initially, Skyryse explored the possibility of operating a fully automated air mobility service. However, the company has since adjusted its strategy.

Skyryse is now concentrating its efforts entirely on the development and refinement of the FlightOS technology stack, positioning itself as a provider of automation solutions rather than a direct service operator.

Automation Level and Future Ambitions

It’s important to note that FlightOS does not represent complete automation. A pilot remains essential to operate the joystick.

Nevertheless, the system offers a high degree of assistance. CEO Mark Groden explained that the immediate objective is to improve the skills and confidence of certified pilots, while the long-term vision is considerably more expansive.

Expanding Access to Flight

“Our initial focus is on enhancing aviation safety, empowering current pilots to fly confidently in diverse weather conditions, and providing access to new aircraft types,” Groden stated. “Ultimately, we aim to enable the 220 million licensed drivers to operate aircraft safely and efficiently.”

The system currently doesn't address aspects like air traffic communication or hazard assessment, skills typically acquired through pilot certification.

Groden argues that current certification standards don’t guarantee pilot proficiency, drawing a parallel to the fact that a driver’s license doesn’t ensure attentive driving.

Re-evaluating Pilot Training Standards

“The current FAA minimum requirements for a pilot’s license are insufficient to guarantee safe and effective operation; our goal is to rectify this,” he emphasized. “Typically, individuals require approximately 50 hours of driving experience to obtain a license, whereas the FAA mandates only 40 hours for a private pilot’s license.”

It is crucial to acknowledge that the 40-hour requirement varies depending on the type of aircraft operation. Commercial carrier pilots, for instance, require a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time.

However, with Skyryse’s system, pilots with less experience could potentially operate different aircraft types without extensive additional training.

Partnerships and FAA Certification

Skyryse has established partnerships with five manufacturers of both fixed-wing and rotorcraft aircraft, including Robinsons Helicopters.

Before FlightOS can be integrated into eVTOLs or helicopters, it must first receive certification from the FAA. The integration process into existing aircraft is expected to be streamlined, as it won’t involve certifying an entirely new vehicle – a requirement for eVTOL developers.

Addressing the Pilot Shortage

The startup believes its technology could also help alleviate the growing global pilot shortage, a situation that may worsen with the potential widespread adoption of air taxis this decade.

Funding Details

This latest funding round brings Skyryse’s total funding to $250 million. The Series B round was led by Fidelity Management & Research Company and Monashee Investment Management.

Additional investors included ArrowMark Partners, Republic Capital, Raptor Group, Infinite Capital, Embedded Ventures, Fortistar, K3 Ventures, Rosecliff, SV Pacific Ventures, Laurence Tosi, and Dmitry Balyasny. Existing investors Venrock, Eclipse Ventures, and Fontinalis Partners also participated in the round.