Two R44s committed to fight against rhino poaching
Source: IOL, 15-May-13
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has given the green light for a R4-million sponsorship of two anti-rhino poaching helicopters as well as securing two fixed-wing aircraft to bolster the fight against the onslaught of rhino poaching in KZN. (See Full Story)
Helifilte WA Celeberates Five Years Of Operation
Source: Helifilte, 15-May-13
Heliflite’s authorised Robinson helicopter sales and service centre at Jandakot Airport celebrates five years of operation. In 2008 Heliflite opened its Western Australian centre at Perth’s Jandakot Airport. Manager Tony Bates leads the experienced Heliflite WA team. Heliflite has long been involved in the Western Australian helicopter industry going back to the late 1970s with a charter organisation once based [...]
Tour operator expands in Orange Beach with second heliport
Source: Alabama Media Group, 13-May-13
A helicopter tour and charter business continues to expand in the city with the council’s approval of a second heliport this week. (See Full Story)
Colorado Heli-Ops expands with two more helicopters
Source: Colorado Heli-Ops, 07-May-13
After their move in November to a larger newly remodeled facility, the Broomfield, Colo.-based company has added new helicopters and services. Heli-Ops is now a full service helicopter flight center. Their award-winning training center is the first in the United States to offer full-curriculum Scenario Based Training programs. They also have a utility side of [...]
Los Angeles Helicopters Expands Pilot Training to Rwanda Air
Source: Los Angeles Helicopters, 07-May-13
Los Angeles Helicopters, LLC (LAH), a leading helicopter flight training operator, is pleased to announce that after completing FAA commercial license and Instrument rating training for 6 pilots from Rwanda in 2012, LAH was invited to travel to Rwanda and provide additional Mountain training as well as Emergency Procedures training and a refresher course for [...]
Australia grounds R44s without bladder tanks
Source: Sky News, 07-May-13
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued an order grounding all Robinson R44 helicopters that have not undergone a recently ordered safety upgrade. (See Full Story)
EASA approves Aspen Avionics in Robinson R44
Source: Aspen Avionics, 30-Apr-13
Aspen Avionics, manufacturer of the innovative Evolution Flight Display System, announced today the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for installation of Aspen Evolution H-series Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) and Multi-function Flight Displays (MFDs) into the Robinson R44 and R44 II model helicopters. Previously announced for N-registered aircraft, this expanded Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from [...]
Appeal made for Montreal R44 axe vandal
Source: HeliHub.com, 29-Apr-13
Robinson specialist Rotorcorp has posted an online video to help the appeal to track down an axe-wielding vandal who seriously damaged a Robinson R44. The helicopter was parked outside overnight in Montreal Canada on Friday 19th April 2013, when someone. Damage to the tail boom and most windows is evident from the video, as well [...]
EASA approves 31 more Lycoming engines for UL91 fuel
Source: Lycoming, 24-Apr-13
Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation, released Service Instruction SI-1070R in April of 2012, which approved a wide variety of engines for use with ASTM D7547 UL 91 unleaded avgas. European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 2011-01 provided aircraft-level approval on the basis of engine approval. Today Lycoming is pleased to [...]
New helicopter license at the age of 76
Source: Nordic Rotors, 15-Apr-13
On March 11 Sweden got a new helicopter pilot, a pilot who passed his skill test at the age of 76. Mr Erik Öinert, a former fighter pilot, gained his private helicopter license (PPL-H) after training with flight instructor Svein Martinsen in Helicopter Assistance’s R44 SE-JOE. As implied, Erik is not new to flying. In [...]
New Zealand proposes AD to force R44 bladder tank issue
Source: NZ CAA, 11-Apr-13
The CAA proposes the following new Airworthiness Directive requiring the replacement of aluminium fuel tanks on Robinson R44 series aircraft with new bladder-type tanks of improved resistance to post-accident rupture. The AD is prompted by reports of three Robinson R44 accidents in Australia involving fuel tank ruptures and fires. These accidents resulted in the loss [...]
Frank Robinson to receive 2013 Guggenheim Medal
Source: AIAA, 10-Apr-13
Frank D. Robinson, founder, Robinson Helicopter Company, Torrance, Calif., has been selected to receive the 2013 Daniel Guggenheim Medal. He will receive the medal on Wednesday evening, May 22, at the Grand Awards Banquet of the American Helicopter Society International’s 69th Annual Forum and Technology Display, May 21–23, at the Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Ariz. [...]
Tourist sues South African R44 pilot after crash
Source: IOL NEWS, 10-Apr-13
Argentine passenger in R44 accident sues the pilot – her boyfriend’s father (see full story).
Tour operator vows to fly helicopters quietly
Source: Florida Today, 08-Apr-13
This site is across the highway from Xtreme Fun at Jungle Village, and he plans to lease a Robinson R44 he calls the Honda of helicopters (see full story)
Australia may ground R44s without bladder tank upgrade
Source: ATSB, 05-Apr-13
Robinson R44 helicopters that have not been fitted with upgraded fuel tanks face being grounded from 30 April 2013. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued a direction to all affected R44 helicopter operators about the installation of flexible fuel tanks to reduce the risk of post-accident fires. CASA has made it clear that R44 [...]
Bravo Helicopters owner dies in R44 accident
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Apr-13
Miami-Dade Police have today issued a statement naming Mark Palmieri, aged 53, as the deceased pilot of the R44 which came down in a fatal crash close to Tamiami Airport yesterday. Palmieri was the owner of Bravo Helicopters, which was based at the airport. There is no indication at this time as to the cause [...]
R44 in fatal NSW crash had not had bladder tank upgrade
Source: The Australian, 25-Mar-13
An R44 that burst into flames when it crashed south of Sydney, killing four people, was fitted with older-style fuel tanks known to pose a fire hazard (See Full Story).
ATP releases five new Robinson libraries
Source: ATP, 22-Mar-13
ATP has released 5 new libraries in support of Robinson Helicopters. They include 1 new Maintenance Library and 4 new Operator Libraries. The Maintenance Library includes the Maintenance Manuals, Parts Catalogs, Service Bulletins, ADs and Flight Manuals needed to maintain the R66 airframe. The Operators Libraries include the POH, ADs, MMEL, and AIM and are [...]
Helicopter prison escape in Canada succeeds
Source: The Daily Observer, 18-Mar-13
Four people are in custody including two inmates of a maximum-security jail who made a brazen daylight escape when a hijacked helicopter dropped a cable to the convicts and flew off (see full story). The successful escape was then curtailed when Quebec Provincial Police tracked down the escapee, who gave himself up peacefully.
Maintenance cloth caused R44 accident in Sweden
Source: Nordic Rotors, 18-Mar-13
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) has published its final report after an accident that occurred on 6 September 2011 in Ånn, close to Åre, involving a Norwegian helicopter with the registration LN-OAB. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 Astro, was taking off for a private flight with three people onboard when the engine [...]
Sevier County Sheriff gets airborne with R44
Source: Seymour Herald, 15-Mar-13
Public Safety Aviation, a public private partnership, held a presentation conference to highlight the benefits of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department new helicopter patrol Feb. 22 (see full story)
Helidecks releases cockpit guide/checklist iPad apps for AW109 and R44
Source: Helidecks Software Solutions, 28-Feb-13
Helidecks Software Solutions has released a series of cockpit guide and checklist apps for the AW109 and R44 helicopters. A professional-grade pilots checklist, the app is designed to provide pilots and instructors with an easy-to-follow challenge and response style set of checklists. The app is available to purchase through the Apple iTunes store. for use [...]
Helitowcart launches dual wheels for R66 and R44
Source: Helitowcart, 27-Feb-13
Helitowcart, a specialist in helicopter handling devices and accessories is now adding a new product: Dual Wheels compatible with the R44 and R66. Helitowcart wheels for Robinsons are known for their heavy duty construction for long term reliability. The company already offers multiple wheel models and configurations for Robinsons. This latest addition will cater to [...]
Obituary – Helicopter leasing specialist Matthew L. Spitzer
Source: HAI, 20-Feb-13
Matthew L. Spitzer, musician, entrepreneur, and flying enthusiast, passed away in Hayward, Calif. on February 8, 2013. Matthew was born June 20, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and raised in Niagara Falls, N.Y. A talented professional pianist with perfect pitch, Matthew played in the Niagara Falls/Buffalo area both solo and with The Billy Howells Band. Matthew [...]
Rotorcorp solves crankshaft replacement problem for R44 owners
Source: Rotorcorp, 18-Feb-13
Airworthiness Directive 2012-19-01 has been issued by the FAA in September of 2012 for certain O540 and IO-540 engines installed in Robinson R44 helicopters. RotorCorp has arranged for priority pricing on Lycoming factory overhauled and rebuilt zero time engines that renders this new AD a non-issue for R44 helicopter owners around the world. The AD [...]
NTSB sending investigators to assist with R44 accident in Paraguay
Source: NTSB, 05-Feb-13
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to assist in the investigation of a Robinson R44 II helicopter that crashed about 80 miles north of Asuncion, Paraguay. Initial reports indicate that the pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The investigation is being led by the Paraguay Civil Aviation Authority (CIPAA). The NTSB has [...]
Paraguayan presidential candidate killed in R44 crash
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Feb-13
Presidential candidate Lino Oviedo, aged 69, died in an accident involving the Robinson R44 he was flying in on Saturday night. The accident also claimed the lives of his bodyguard Derlis Galeano, and the pilot, Ramón Aurelio Picco. Our safety data pages have more details at 02-Feb-13 ZP-HAH Robinson R44 Puerto Antequera, Paraguay (3F) Some [...]
Court orders refund of Topeka Police R44 down payment
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal, 03-Feb-13
Kansas Supreme Court upholds the decision of a lower court to invalidate a 2008 contract for Topeka Police to buy an R44 after the down payment of $74,000 had been paid. (see full story here – and the documentation from the court here)
Gemini Helicopters issues statement on fatal R44 crash
30-Jan-13
“In the evening of January 27, 2013 Gemini was alerted of an overdue helicopter with a last known location approximately 77 kilometers southwest of Fox Creek. ” (see full story) File photo
Australian fatal R44 accident caused by pilot incapacitation
Source: ATSB, 27-Jan-13
ATSB summary of the accident follows:- What happened On 3 September 2011, the pilot and one crewman of a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 helicopter, registered VH-HCA (HCA), departed an airstrip located near Kumarina roadhouse, approximately 150 km south of Newman, Western Australia. The crew were conducting low-level geophysical survey operations when the pilot was observed [...]
Jerry Trimble Helicopters opens in Texas
Source: Smithville Times, 18-Jan-13
From the company being founded in Oregon in 2007, and expanding into California, Jerry Trimble Helicopters has now opened at Smithville Crawford Municipal Airport in Texas (see full story)
Bolvian Police order two Robinson R44s
Source: HeliHub.com, 16-Jan-13
Bolivian Government Minister Carlos Romero is reported in local press as announcing that the the national law enforcement agency “Policía Boliviana” will receive two Robinson R44s later this month. Due to the altitudes involved in Bolivia, the pair will not be able to fly around the capital La Paz, which lies between 10,650 and 13,250 [...]
Robinson 2012 production 45% up on 2011
Source: Robinson, 14-Jan-13
Robinson Helicopter’s production for 2012 was 517 helicopters – 191 R66s, 286 R44s and 40 R22s, a 45% increase over 2011’s production of 356. As in previous years, the majority of those sales (70%) went to foreign customers. Based on the backlog of new orders, Robinson anticipates 2013’s production numbers to surpass 2012’s. The current [...]
Search ends for R44 in Arizona lake
Source: Payson Roundup, 03-Jan-13
Gila County Sheriff’s Office dive teams scoured the bottom of the lake for more than a week, but found no sign of the helicopter, which splashed into the lake during a sightseeing flight out of Mesa (see full story). File photo see also the following from HeliHub.com safety data pages – 07-Dec-12 N557AC Robinson R44 [...]
New B206/R44 charter operator at Hawthorne, California
17-Dec-12
Star Helicopters, one of the leading helicopter tour operators in Los Angeles, is proud to begin operating charter and air taxi helicopter rides with an FAA Part 135 certification. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all aircraft operators carrying passengers for hire in point-to-point helicopter rides or charters and commuter flights must carry this [...]
Lawyer reminds R44 owners of bladder tank retrofit rebate cut-off date
Source: Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, 17-Dec-12
Robinson helicopter crash lawyers, Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, can report that Robinson Helicopter Company’s R44 fuel tank rebate offer is about to expire. After many low impact post-crash fires, the company announced that it was offering a $1,000 incentive to R44 owners who purchase and install their bladder fuel tank kit by December 31, [...]
Sloane Helicopters commits to Northern Ireland with Robinson overhauls
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Dec-12
Britain’s Sloane Helicopters opened its base in Northern Ireland at Enniskillen Airport back in 2007 before the recession hit – and it’s no secret that helicopter operations in Northern Ireland have been hit nearly as badly as those in the country of Ireland to the south. Undaunted by this, Sloane are showing a continued commitment [...]
Kurt Robinson named to IHST Executive Committee
Source: IHST, 11-Dec-12
The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), a worldwide organization leading a multi-year effort to enhance safety and reduce the civil helicopter accident rate, has added Robinson Helicopter Company President Kurt Robinson to its Executive Committee. Kurt Robinson heads the Robinson Helicopter Company, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters. The company of nearly [...]
UTair Engineering starts its first R44 overhaul
Source: UTair, 05-Dec-12
The first Robinson R44 helicopter has been delivered to the UTair-Engineering MRO facility in Tyumen for capital repairs. The compete inspection and refitting is expected to take 3 months. In 2012 UTair-Engineering passed the Robinson Helicopter and Russian Aviation Authority MRO performance audits in 2012, qualifying for capital repair operations on R44 helicopters, making UTair-Engineering [...]
Hong Kong approves Dart’s R44 emergency floats
Source: DART helicopter Services, 04-Dec-12
DART helicopter Services is pleased to announce Hong Kong Approval of their R44 Emergency Float Kits. FAA, EASA and Transport Canada approvals have already been granted. The Apical Emergency Float System provides a lightweight and easy to install solution for R44 Raven operators who need to fly over water, and are requesting the added increased [...]
Eccentric R44 owner has helicopter siezed
Source: Phoenix New Times, 29-Nov-12
The problem began on October 12, 2011, when a report about a suspicious pilot came into the Flagstaff office of the US Dept of Homeland Security Investigations. (see full story)
Redlands and Fontana Police departments share aerial coverage
Source: San Bernardino Sun, 31-Oct-12
Two forces – one with a Robinson R44 (and expanding to R66) and one with a Cessna fixed-wing – to merge aviation operations (see full story)
DeSoto Parish Sheriff acquires R44 from DeSoto County Sheriff
22-Oct-12
The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office has a new weapon to help fight crime. The Sheriff recently bought a Robinson R44 Helicopter from the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi. (see full story)
Cool City Avionics announces Authorized Dealers
Source: Cool City Avionics, 19-Oct-12
Cool City Avionics, a manufacturer of low cost, professional-grade automatic flight guidance control systems and helicopter stability augmentation systems, is pleased to announce that it has appointed thirteen new authorized dealers in the United States, three in Canada and one each in Denmark, Germany and Guatemala. Additional dealers will be appointed in the coming months. [...]
Okaloosa County approves new helicopter tour company in Destin
Source: Destin4Me, 12-Oct-12
Okaloosa recently approved a new tourism helicopter company in Destin that has some residents up in arms. Beach Helicopter can proceed with their plans to set-up a 6,000-square-foot helipad off U.S. Highway 98 (see full story). Beach Helicopter are understood to operate a Robinson R44
Robinson Helicopter Co donates to area middle schools
Source: EasyReader, 07-Oct-12
Torrance-based Robinson Helicopter Co. donated $15,000 each to Palos Verdes and Torrance school districts. In PV the funds went toward building fabrication labs at each of three area middle schools. (see full story)
Austin Helicopter Tours opens for business
Source: HeliHub.com, 30-Sep-12
Stacy and Randy Riggs, owners of Alamo Helicopter Tours of San Antonio are expanding to a second Texan city with the launch of Austin Helicopter Tours. They open for business on 1st October from Bud Dryden Airport, which is about four miles north east of the main Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Initially focusing on the tour [...]
New R44 Stability Augmentation System approved
Source: Cool City Avionics, 11-Sep-12
Cool City Electronics, Inc., dba Cool City Avionics, a manufacturer of low cost, professional-grade automatic flight control systems and stability augmentation systems for helicopters, is pleased to announce that it has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SR09624RC for its SAS-100 Stability Augmentation System, allowing its installation in Robinson R-44 helicopters. The new Stability Augmentation System [...]
Helicopter Fuel-Savings Program Expands to Europe
Source: JTI Air Holdings, 31-Aug-12
Using gasoline as an alternative helicopter fuel is not only better for the environment, but also more cost efficient, Fuller says. In Europe, JTI’s automotive gasoline supplemental type certificates (STCs) are sold by company representative Joop van Weele of Holland. (Seehttp://www.vliegwerkholland.nl/autofuel.html for info.) Leaded helicopter fuel is being phased out worldwide due to environmental concerns. JTI Air Holdings has led [...]
Update on Robinson lead times
Source: HeliHub.com, 28-Aug-12
HeliHub.com has heard that the projected lead times for new aircraft orders at Robinson are as follows, based on information sourced on 24th August: R22 – November 2012 Raven I – December 2012 Raven II – March 2013 R66 – June 2013 These projections are based on the current production schedule and are subject to [...]
Helicopter tours begin in Queen City
Source: WIVB Channel 4, 01-Aug-12
Western New York Helicopters has opened up Buffalo Waterfront Tours, which will take people along the lakefront, the Naval Park, and downtown Buffalo (see full story)
FAA approves Aspen’s Evolution Flight Display System for Robinson R44
Source: Aspen Avionics, 25-Jul-12
Aspen Avionics, manufacturer of the innovative Evolution Flight Display System, announced today the FAA approval for installation of Aspen’s H-series Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) and Multi-function Flight Displays (MFDs) into the Robinson R44 and R44 II model helicopters. Aspen’s H-series PFD and MFD systems are designed and manufactured to meet the rigors of helicopter operations. [...]
R44 and R22 among types approved by EASA for UL91 unleaded fuel
Source: Lycoming, 19-Jul-12
Lycoming Continues Call for ‘UL 100’ as a Fleetwide Solution Williamsport, PA – July 18th, 2012 – Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation, released Service Instruction SI-1070R on April 16th, 2012, which approved a wide variety of engines for use with ASTM D7547 UL 91 unleaded avgas. European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) Safety Information [...]
Airborne Energy Solutions choses SkyTrac to equip R44 fleet
Source: SkyTrac, 18-Jul-12
Airborne Energy Solutions (AES), with headquarters in Whitecourt, AB operates helicopters in remote locations where communications are either limited or non-existent. This makes flight following difficult and ineffective. This, and the desire for a reliable system to fill the safety void that existed started AES’s search for a flight following vendor. Looking for a system [...]
Current Robinson lead times for new orders
Source: Robinson, 10-Jul-12
Latest information from Robinson Helicopter Co in Torrance provides us with their lead times as at 29th June 2012. If you place a deposit for a new R22, it will be delivered ex factory in October 2012. For a R44 Raven I you are looking at November 2012, or a Raven II two months further [...]
Rotorcorp offers free R44 bladder fuel tank kit with purchase of overhaul kit
Source: Rotorcorp, 22-Jun-12
On June 15th, 2012 Robinson Helicopter Company released an announcement offering R44 Astro, Raven I and Raven II operators a $1000 rebate on the KI-196 Bladder Tank Retrofit Kits in accordance with Service Bulletin 78A. This bulletin requires R44 helicopters with all-aluminum fuel tanks to be retrofitted with bladder-type tanks. To improve the R44 fuel system’s resistance to [...]
Robinson offers $1,000 rebate on R44 bladder tank kits
Source: Robinson, 19-Jun-12
Addressed to “All R44 Dealers, Service Centers and Owners” (original pdf here) Robinson Helicopter Co. (RHC) is offering a U.S $1,000 rebate to all R44 owners who purchase and install the KI-196 Kit, in accordance with SB-78A, on or before December 31, 2012. To receive the rebate, the owner must provide RHC with the aircraft [...]
Heliflite’s Robinson safety courses a major success
Source: Heliflite, 13-Jun-12
More than 100 pilots have attended Heliflite’s hosted Robinson Factory Pilot Safety Courses in Sydney, Melbourne & Wanaka (NZ) during late May and early June. All three courses were presented by Robinson Helicopter Company’s Chief Instructor and Test Pilot, Tim Tucker. The Robinson Factory Pilot Safety Course caters for all pilots of all levels of experience [...]
22 face court over Philippine National Police R44 sale
Source: Rappler, 07-Jun-12
Charges were filed on Wednesday 6th against Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, former National Police chief Jesus Verzosa, a businessman, and 19 retired and active police officers over the sale of second-hand R44s to the Philippine National Police. (see full story) see earlier HeliHub.com story – Controversy surrounds R44 acquisition by Philippine National Police
FAA investigates after pilot warned for dangerous flying
01-Jun-12
Video shows one or two people at a time dangling from the skids, waiting for the pilot to take them over open water where they dropped to the water below. At one point, the pilot goes so high the person hanging on drops an estimated 50 feet. (see full story and video). The helicopter shown [...]
Tourist flights proposed over Zion National Park
28-May-12
Zion National Park is a big tourist attraction and a businessman wants to give visitors a view from above of the park and other attractions. But some residents, including the mayor, object to part of his plan. (see full story)
R44 crashes on aerial saw operations in Finland
Source: HeliHub.com, 18-May-12
This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches, [...]
Heliflite plans three Robinson safety courses in Australia and New Zealand
Source: Heliflite, 08-May-12
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor are holding Robinson Factory Pilot Safety Courses in Sydney, Melbourne & Wanaka (NZ) during late May/ early June. All three courses will be conducted by Robinson’s Chief Instructor and Test Pilot, Tim Tucker. The Wanaka course will be held at the Edgewater Resort, Sargood Drive, Wanaka from Thursday [...]
R44/R22 preflight iPhone/iPad app updated
Source: HeliHub.com, 25-Apr-12
Swiss software developers MaxPower have updated their very helpful Robinson preflight app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, now at version 2.0. The app previously covered R22 Beta II and R44 Raven II and has now been expanded to cover the earlier R22 Beta model and the R44 Raven I. The app has also [...]
Rebtech modifies two Estonian R44s for night vision
Source: Rebtech, 25-Apr-12
Bedford, Texas: REBTECH and partner Night Flight Concepts recently completed modifications of two Estonian Air Force helicopters for NVIS systems. Estonia is located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. The Õhuvägi (Estonian Air Force) is the main arm of the Estonian aviation forces and is tasked with political, military, economic, social, environmental and psychological [...]
Lycoming releases first series of UL 91 unleaded avgas approvals
Source: Lycoming, 18-Apr-12
Just weeks after Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation, announced it would seek Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to operate certain engines on ASTM D7547 UL 91 unleaded avgas, it has received FAA approval to update its listing of approved fuels. Lycoming’s newly available Service Instruction SI-1070R lists 35 engine models approved to operate [...]
Lawsuit filed for September 2011 fatal R44 accident in Michigan
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Apr-12
The estate of a Michigan man killed in an R44 accident last September have filed a lawsuit claiming negligence contributed to the accident. Relatives of passenger Mark May initiated the claim, accusing the estate of the late pilot Dan Logghe of negligence, and that company Logghe Stamping Co – founded by Logghe’s grandfather Morris Logghe [...]
Robinson discontinues stainless steel main blades for R44 Astro and Raven I
Source: Rotorcorp, 11-Apr-12
As of April 1st 2012, Robinson Helicopter Company has discontinued sales of and is no longer filling orders for the older-style stainless steel MR blades for R44 Astro and Raven I helicopters. Per AD 2011-12-10 and R44 Service Letter 37- Robinson introduced new C016-7 aluminum-skinned blades to increase dent resistance and reduce corrosion that resulted in instances of debonding [...]
Robinson revises need for shielded aux fuel pump in ENG R44s
Source: Rotorcorp, 10-Apr-12
Due to continued supply shortages and spotty availability, Rotorcorp recently checked on availabilty of the KI-206-4 Auxillary Fuel Pump for use in ENG aircraft on a customer order. We were advised by our Customer Service Representative that the shielded KI-206-4 is now being replaced by the non-shielded KI-206-3 version of the pump. Robinson Technical Service Representative [...]
Australia – Heliflite announces Robinson safety courses for May/June
Source: Heliflite, 28-Mar-12
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor are holding Robinson Factory Pilot Safety Courses in Sydney, Melbourne & Wanaka (NZ) during late May/ early June. All three courses will be conducted by Robinson’s Chief Instructor and Test Pilot, Tim Tucker. The Wanaka course will be held at the Edgewater Resort, Sargood Drive, Wanaka from Thursday [...]
Rotorcorp Supplier Program grabs attention of international Robinson operators
Source: Rotorcorp, 27-Mar-12
Rotorcorp LLC, an authorized factory service center for American-Made Robinson Helicopter Company, is expanding its reach in the global helicopter parts market with a new program targeted at small parts and major component supply for Robinson’s model R22, R44 and new R66 Turbine helicopters. Rotorcorp Director of Operations Sean Casey says “Nearly half of the 10,000- strong Robinson [...]
Embry-Riddle recognises safety record of Universal Helicopters
Source: Embry-Riddle, 27-Mar-12
President’s Safety Day is an annual event recognizing the safety record of the flight department at the Prescott campus. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President, Dr. John Johnson, attended the event on February 23, 2012, to present the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Safety. This year’s recipient was Mr. Gordon Jiroux, President and Owner of Universal [...]
Dutch R44 ditches in lake next to hotel
Source: HeliHub.com, 26-Mar-12
This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches, [...]
NAC details its milestones with Robinson Helicopter Co
Source: National Airways, 20-Mar-12
National Airways Corporation became a Robinson dealer in 1990 and was instrumental in bringing Robinson helicopters to South Africa. One of the first appointed dealers in the region, NAC took delivery of their first R22 in late 1990. Twenty one years later, NAC has proven to be an integral member of the Robinson dealer network. [...]
Review of Robinson R66, R44 and R22 lead times
Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Mar-12
Information made available in the last week by a distributor of Robinson Helicopter Co shows that the lead times for delivery of new aircraft are: R22 Beta II – September 2012 R44 Raven I – October 2012 R44 Raven II – November 2012 R66 Turbine – May 2013 We note that the R66 order backlog [...]
