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Aviation Week • Ben Goldstein

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028

Reliable Robotics, the U.S. autonomous-flight startup led by a SpaceX alum, secured a $160 million funding round led by Nimble Partners, pushing valuation toward $1 billion. The company is pressing the FAA for certification of its autonomous flight system, targeting a first commercial uncrewed cargo approval in 2028.

2026-04-21T13:20:45.874450-07:00

AINonline

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion

2026-04-21T14:51:51.704232-07:00

Vertical Mag

MD Helicopters gets FAA certification for Super D20R upgrade combining Super D airframe enhancements with Rolls-Royce 250-C20R e

2026-04-21T13:51:53.497275-07:00

AINonline

ForeFlight adds Emergency Glide Mode for engine-failure scenarios

2026-04-21T09:26:01.880926-07:00

News Timeline

AINonline

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion As the FAA’s Part 108 framework nears completion for BVLOS operations, the drone industry is warning of a widening talent gap. The effort hinges on sourcing and training enough qualified BVLOS operators and specialists—yet current pipelines may not scale in time.

2026-04-21T14:51:51.704232-07:00

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion

Vertical Mag

MD Helicopters gets FAA certification for Super D20R upgrade combining Super D airframe enhancements with Rolls-Royce 250-C20R e MD Helicopters has received FAA certification for the Super D20R upgrade, integrating Super D airframe enhancements with the Rolls-Royce 250-C20R powerplant to deliver increased power. The approval supports a certified modernization path for Super D20 aircraft seeking higher performance capability.

2026-04-21T13:51:53.497275-07:00

MD Helicopters gets FAA certification for Super D20R upgrade combining Super D airframe enhancements with Rolls-Royce 250-C20R e

Aviation Week

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028 Reliable Robotics, the U.S. autonomous-flight startup led by a SpaceX alum, secured a $160 million funding round led by Nimble Partners, pushing valuation toward $1 billion. The company is pressing the FAA for certification of its autonomous flight system, targeting a first commercial uncrewed cargo approval in 2028.

2026-04-21T13:20:45.874450-07:00

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028

AINonline

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ForeFlight adds Emergency Glide Mode for engine-failure scenarios ForeFlight has introduced “Emergency Glide Mode” to help pilots identify reachable runways and off-airport landing sites during engine-failure events. The feature is designed to surface better landing options in real time when glide range planning becomes time-critical, improving decision support in an emergency.

2026-04-21T09:26:01.880926-07:00

ForeFlight adds Emergency Glide Mode for engine-failure scenarios

FlightGlobal

Textron Aviation adds Starlink high-speed connectivity as an FAA/EASA-approved aftermarket upgrade for Citation Ascend and 560XL Textron Aviation says it is offering Starlink high-speed connectivity for Cessna Citation Ascend as an aftermarket upgrade, following FAA and EASA approvals. The company also reports EASA certification for Starlink installation across the Citation 560 XL fleet, positioning the satellite broadband option for in-service operators responding to demand.

2026-04-21T08:52:08.985394-07:00

Textron Aviation adds Starlink high-speed connectivity as an FAA/EASA-approved aftermarket upgrade for Citation Ascend and 560XL

Vertical Mag

FlySight opensight mission console with ATR deployed for Norway SAR operations FlySight has advanced its search-and-rescue mission support stack, completing successful integration tests for the opensight mission console paired with an ATR platform for SAR operations in Norway. The validated setup is designed to improve mission support and operational integration for search-and-rescue stakeholders.

2026-04-21T08:19:30.479477-07:00

FlySight opensight mission console with ATR deployed for Norway SAR operations

Flying Magazine

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FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information The FAA is modernizing its NOTAM platform via a “back-end changeover” designed to make critical flight information easier to interpret, improving clarity and communications. The shift targets safer skies by changing how NOTAM content is presented to users, particularly when time-critical operational decisions are required.

2026-04-21T07:56:21.013403-07:00

FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information

Urban Air Mobility News

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Bristow, Electra launch Norway flight and operational testing for hybrid-electric ultra-STOL eSTOL aircraft Bristow Group, US AAM startup Electra, airport operator Avinor, and Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority have kicked off a hybrid-electric test campaign in Scandinavia, with flight trials planned to ramp in 2027. The programme is designed to move Electra’s ultra-short eSTOL concept toward operational evaluation in a regulator- and infrastructure-backed setting.

2026-04-21T06:13:34.060374-07:00

Bristow, Electra launch Norway flight and operational testing for hybrid-electric ultra-STOL eSTOL aircraft

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Aviation Safety & Regulation News

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion

MD Helicopters gets FAA certification for Super D20R upgrade combining Super D airframe enhancements with Rolls-Royce 250-C20R e

ForeFlight adds Emergency Glide Mode for engine-failure scenarios

News Timeline