By: Michael Schneider/VARIETY

RDF USA has presold the U.K. animated pilot “Sky Jockeys” to Fox.

“Sky Jockeys” comes out of RDF Media’s new script-development deal with UKTV’s digital outlet Dave. Pact, announced Thursday, calls for RDF to develop three half-hour scripts – including “Sky Jockeys” – with the idea that at least one of the projects will be picked up for broadcast sometime in late 2010.

As part of the RDF/Dave pact, the companies are aggressively looking for international presale partners, particularly in the U.S. For “Sky Jockeys,” it made sense to turn to Fox, the home of several primetime animated hits.

“We’re looking to get projects financed in different ways,” said RDF Media USA CEO Chris Coelen. “It’s what everyone’s trying to figure out. This is a different way of doing things.”

British scribes Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto are writing the pilot, which is a workplace ensemble set inside an airport.

The Dave channel launched its first scripted laffer, “Red Dwarf: Back to Earth,” to strong audience numbers earlier this year, leading UKTV to look at expanding on that genre.

Deal was announced by Coelen, RDF TV comedy head Clelia Mountford, UKTV entertainment director Christian Drobynk and UKTV director of commissioning Lisa Perrin.