Mountain Ridge Helicopters working with Veterans
Source: Mountain Ridge Helicopters, 30-Dec-11
Mountain Ridge Helicopters is pleased to announce that the VA has approved it’s Flight Instructor Course which after completion the pilot will be able to perform one of the most vital and influential roles in aviation, instructing others how to fly helicopters. Now, students enrolling in the Flight Instructor Course at Mountain Ridge can receive financial benefits under either Chapter 30 [...]
30-Dec-11 PR-FPE Robinson R44 Iguabinha, Brazil
30-Dec-11
Helicopter clipped powerlines while flying at low level over a crowd of around 2,000 at a Christmas event. The 4POB suffered slight injuries and it is miraculous that no-one on the ground was killed. Check the YouTube videos here and here.
30-Dec-11 I-NAPE Robinson R44 San Tammaro, Italy
30-Dec-11
Tourist flight. Tail boom cut by main rotors, helicopter ended up on port side. Ground covered in snow – potential for vertical reference issues.
23-Dec-11 ZS-RNZ Robinson R22 Port Alfred, South Africa
23-Dec-11
Training accident from low level, helicopter ended up on its starboard side. Instructor and pupil light injuries only and walked away.
911 dispatcher errors delayed response to fatal R22 crash
Source: Guelph Mercury, 21-Dec-11
Emergency dispatchers were so confused by a fatal helicopter crash at the Region of Waterloo International Airport last month that they tried to send the wrong firefighters from 23 kilometres away. (see full story) This refers to the following accident – 28-Nov-11 C-GVAR Robinson R22 Waterloo, Canada (1F)
17-Dec-11 ZS-RZD Robinson R44 Ventersdorp, South Africa
17-Dec-11
Two male occupants were treated for superficial wounds and bruises
14-Dec-11 N4052G Robinson R22 Tucson, US-Arizona
14-Dec-11
Early reports of private helicopter down on Raytheon property nr Tucson Airport. Pilot airlifted to UMC Trauma Center, no info on the other person on board. FAA spokesman said pilot reported engine failure prior to landing.
Robinson starts production of the 100th R66
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Dec-11
Robinson Helicopter Co have started production of the 100th R66 – the company distributed a photo via Twitter at 3.21pm Pacific time on Saturday afternoon. See original posting here. As pointed out here by Rotorcorp, the Robinson parts people, what Robinson Helicopter Co lack in volume of tweets, they certainly make up for in quality! [...]
NTSB Preliminary Report – 24-Nov-11 N821JV Robinson R44
Source: NTSB, 11-Dec-11
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On November 24, 2011, approximately 1900 central standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N821JV, sustained substantial damage when [...]
09-Dec-11 PR-KLA Robinson R44 Sao Bento do Sul, Brazil (1F)
09-Dec-11
Impacted terrain. The commercial-rated pilot was fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed
Helicopter training gets boost at Kansas State University
Source: KSU, 07-Dec-11
Helicopter flight training at Kansas State University is getting a boost through a partnership with Universal Helicopters. “The partnership initially will bring in three helicopters and four full-time flight instructors, which allows us to better meet the flight-training demands of our students,” said Kurt Barnhart, head of K-State’s aviation department. The incoming fleet consists of [...]
07-Dec-11 N817AB Robinson R22 Honolulu, US-Hawaii
07-Dec-11
Substantial damage in field landing while practicing autorotations
Heli Air add new base at Thruxton
Source: Heli Air, 06-Dec-11
Heli Air, the UK’s leading helicopter company is very pleased to confirm its new base at Thruxton Aerodrome. Shaun Byam heads-up the newly refurbished Heli Air facility, soon to be fully equipped with R22 and R44 helicopters for pilot training. Heli Air Thruxton at Hangar 2 within the aerodrome has full access to the huge [...]
New helicopter training program starts at BBCC in January
Source: Big Bend Community College, 30-Nov-11
A partnership between Big Bend Community College and Inland Helicopters of Spokane will provide opportunities for students to become helicopter pilots while earning an associates degree. The new helicopter pilot training program begins in January of 2012. “This is another example of the type of public/private partnerships we must establish to create new programs in [...]
UK: New owner at Northumbria Helicopters
Source: The Journal, 29-Nov-11
Claire Jobling, an accountant by trade who worked for the Co-operative before spending five years at globally-successful Eutechnyx, has acquired Newcastle Airport-based Northumbria Helicopters for an undisclosed sum. (see full story)
29-Nov-11 ZS-RDG Robinson R44 II Wonderboom, South Africa
29-Nov-11
Crashed while giving an 80-year-old her birthday present flight. Ended up on its starboard side with the tail boom apparently separated midway down its length.
28-Nov-11 C-GVAR Robinson R22 Waterloo, Canada (1F)
28-Nov-11
Appeared to lose power approximately one mile south of the airport. The helicopter was observed in a rapid descent into a wooded area south of the airport. 1 fatal, 1 injured. Fatality later named as instructor Tiffany Hanna, 29. CADAORS 2011O3540
27-Nov-11 VH-RKN Robinson R22 El Questro, Australia
27-Nov-11
During an approach to land, the low RPM light and warning horn activated and the helicopter made a hard landing.
Every sixth R66 goes to Australia
Source: HeliHub.com, 24-Nov-11
With European EASA and Canadian TC certification of the R66 causing issues for customers in those countries, Australia is forging ahead with deliveries and there are now nine R66s registered there with CASA. The last six of these demonstrate a bit of trend – serial numbers 48, 54, 60, 66, 72 and 78 form an [...]
24-Nov-11 N821JV Robinson R44 Hackensack, US-Minnesota (1F)
24-Nov-11
went down into Ten Mile Lake, near Hackensack, MN killing pilot John Zacher, whose body was found the next day. His wife Vicki Zacher was the only passenger and survived.
23-Nov-11 ZS-RSU Robinson R44 II Grand Central, South Africa
23-Nov-11
Helicopter ended up on its port side with the tail boom sliced. 23-Nov-11 is assumed date – the first reference we can find is in the evening of that date.
Heliflite delivers R66 to the Salvation Army
Source: Heliflite, 22-Nov-11
This month Heliflite was pleased to deliver a new R66 Turbine helicopter to The Salvation Army for its dedicated Outback Flying Service which is based in Mt Isa, Queensland. The new R66 Turbine will be primarily operated to support remote outback communities and stations in central and north Queensland which covers an extraordinary 800,000 square [...]
Robinson R66 Service Letter SL-03A
Source: Robinson, 21-Nov-11
Clutch Assembly Retaining Bolt Replacement
City of Fontana to be first police R66 customer?
Source: HeliHub.com, 21-Nov-11
The Californian city of Fontana is putting a budget request in this week for two police-role helicopters, a low-time Robinson R44 with just 140 airframe hours, and a new R66. Police Chief Rodney Jones is preparting to ask city council’s approval on Tuesday to use $500,000 in asset seizure funds to purchase the near-new R44 [...]
NTSB Preliminary Report – 05-Nov-11 N413RM Robinson R22
Source: NTSB, 18-Nov-11
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On November 5, 2011, about 1620 eastern standard time, a Robinson R22 BETA, N413RM, operated by Ocean Helicopters Inc., [...]
18-Nov-11 RA-04348 Robinson R44 Litvintseva, Russia (1F)
18-Nov-11
Sole occupant pilot Yevgeniy Kurbatov killed. High energy impact with terrain, helicopter broken in many parts, but no sign of post crash fire. Reported as low time pilot with only 20 hours experience, and flying at night. Helicopter was found on 26th November by a volunteer search team Liza Alert the day after the state [...]
Guidance Aviation launches turbine transition course
Source: Guidance Aviation, 13-Nov-11
Guidance Aviation of Prescott, AZ., a recognized a leader in High-Altitude Helicopter flight training, has announced the introduction of a new Turbine Transition training course. This program utilizes the new Robinson R-66 Rolls Royce powered turbine helicopter. According to Guidance CEO, John Stonecipher, “The Robinson R-66 is our first choice in a turbine platform. It [...]
Robinson hold ceremony for 10,000th helicopter
Source: HeliHub.com, 12-Nov-11
Robinson Helicopter Co held a ceremony on Thursday 10th November for local press and dignitaries to celebrate the production of the 10,000th helicopter at their Torrance factory. A press release is reportedly forthcoming. Until then, these are the pertinent points gleaned from local press reports Employment is increasing, with 200 new jobs in 2011 taking [...]
NZ: Southern Lakes Helicopters has eight week R66 trial
Source: Southland Times, 12-Nov-11
Lloyd Matheson, from Southern Lakes Helicopters, said the new Robinson R66 helicopter the company had on lease was more efficient and bigger than its existing Robinson R44. A decision on whether to buy an R66 model was likely to be made after that, Mr Matheson said. (see full story)
07-Nov-11 VH-CME Robinson R22 Julia Creek, Australia
07-Nov-11
During mustering operations, the main rotor blade struck the ground resulting in the helicopter coming to rest on its side.
05-Nov-11 N413RM Robinson R22 West Palm Beach, US-Florida
05-Nov-11
Helicopter was on a low-level aerial tour when it lost height over a residential area
RotorCorp working with Apical on R66 Pop-out float STC
Source: RotorCorp, 28-Oct-11
The Robinson R66 helicopter is not complete without a set of Pop-out floats; that is my opinion. The best flying is beyond gliding distance from shore, and 70% of the earth is covered in water. When I first got into the helicopter industry over twelve years ago a mentor told me that helicopters find work [...]
Thailand: Best Ocean Airpark orders two R44s
Source: HeliHub.com, 27-Oct-11
Best Ocean Airpark has ordered two new Robinson R44 helicopters and is expecting to take delivery of them in November. Best Ocean Airpark is a US-style residential complex based around a private 860 meter runway, but also provide a flying club as part of the facilities. The airstrip opened in August 2009. All houses back [...]
Kapiti Heliworx given the go-ahead for R44 tours
Source: Kapiti Observer, 25-Oct-11
Commissioner Stephen Chiles granted consent for Heliworx to run scenic tourist and charter flights using Robinson R44 helicopters on the pad adjacent the shopping area. Under the consent conditions, flights will run between 9am and 6pm from December to March, and 9.30am and 4pm during the rest of the year. (see full story) – see [...]
UK: Heliair delivers another R66
Source: HeliHub.com, 25-Oct-11
UK Robinson distributor Heliair is on the point of delivering its third Robinson R66, bringing the UK fleet to five. Serial 0058 and registered N404RW, this helicopter replaces an R44 for a private owner who already operates on an FAA licence and will not be chasing the EASA certification many other potential buyers are waiting [...]
HELP NEEDED – EASA trying to ban Robinsons at night
Source: HeliHub.com, 24-Oct-11
In 2009 EASA published their proposed operation and equipment rules, and many pilots submitted responses. EASA have listened to those comments and to the recommendations of the NCO Review Group , and have now published their proposed rules. The resulting text (after the changes) of the revised ops rules for non commercial light aircraft and [...]
R44 operator backs repeal of Rhode Island tourism tax
Source: Middletown Patch, 24-Oct-11
As talk mounts for the repeal of the state’s new tourism tax, it’s a no brainer that helicopter pilot and business owner Jeff Codman is right on board – in a recent interview he said that 90% of his business is tours. (see full story)
UK: Elite Helicopters adds another R22
Source: Elite Helicopters, 24-Oct-11
We are delighted to announce the arrival of the latest addition to our fleet of training aircraft at Goodwood. G-DOGI is a Robinson R22 Beta and now has joined us to support our Private and Commercial Pilot’s Licence training programmes. The aircraft will be permanently based at Goodwood, and has been bought in to satisfy [...]
NTSB issues prelim report for fatal R66 crash N266CY
Source: NTSB, 24-Oct-11
On October 1, 2011, about 1255 mountain daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter, R66, N266CY, was substantially damaged during an in-flight breakup while in cruise flight near Philip, South Dakota. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by P P & J LLC., of Gillette, Wyoming. Visual [...]
Lousiana helipad approved, despite neighbour opposition
20-Oct-11
R44 owner Jon Gonsoulin, president of LeBeouf Bros., got the OK Monday at Terrebonne’s Board of Adjustment meeting. The decision allows Gonsoulin to put a helipad on his 18-acre residential property in Mulberry Estates, a subdivision along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. (See full story)
Robinson do not know when EASA will certify R66
Source: HeliHub.com, 17-Oct-11
We know that both UK Robinson dealers – Sloane Helicopters and Heliair – are currently very frustrated by the slow progress on EASA certification of the R66. We suspect that the same is being felt right across Europe. We thus approached the manufacturer for a statement and they advised “We are working with EASA to [...]
15-Oct-11 RA-04332 Robinson R44 Erzovka, Russia
15-Oct-11
4POB at a flying club event. Journalists on board filmed the descent as it apparently descended tail first and tail-low to the ground. Rolled over onto port side. Badly damaged. All persons survived, some with injuries.
14-Oct-11 CC-PCS Robinson R44 Santiago, Chile
14-Oct-11
During take-off phase, pilot Andres Navarro Haeussler made sudden and very heavy landing on taxiway, causing damage to the aircraft. Pilot and passenger unhurt. Skids splayed out, tail ended up touching the ground
11-Oct-11 PT-YEC Robinson R22 São Paulo, Brazil
11-Oct-11
Heavy forced landing and ended up no its starboard side. Had just taken off from Campo de Marte Airport bound for Guarulhos
HeliAir delivers second R66 – UK fleet now at four
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Oct-11
The United Kingdom now has an R66 fleet of four. This follows HeliAir’s delivery of serial 0041 as N66MV to a private owner in Cheshire just prior to Helitech last week. The helicopter was present at Duxford on the second day of the event. Between the two UK distributors – the other one being Sloane [...]
04-Oct-11 N4170M Robinson R22 Hibbing, US-Minnesota
04-Oct-11
landing accident, substantially damaged
Second fatal Robinson R66 accident reported
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Oct-11
A second fatal accident has been reported to a Robinson R66. User “kylesampson” posted the following message on an online forum – “I’m not a pilot I just wanted to get this out there. My wifes uncle just died in a R66 in South Dakota. Anyone who has one better wait and see what happens [...]
New speed record for San Diego to Savannah and back
Source: HAI, 03-Oct-11
The World Record Helicopter Team, based in Murrieta Calif., set a new world speed record from San Diego Calif. to Savannah/Hilton Head Ga. and back, on Sept. 17, 2011. Flying a Robinson R44 Raven II, the four-man team departed from Brown Field when the race clock started at 7:28 a.m. Despite some extreme weather conditions [...]
02-Oct-11 ZK-HLL Robinson R44 Samoa (1F)
02-Oct-11
A tuna boat based helicopter crashed into the sea, with only one of the two crew members recovered. 34-year-old pilot Mexican pilot, Eduardo Lavalle lost his life.
02-Oct-11 EI-DTR Robinson R44 Athlone, Eire
02-Oct-11
The R44 piloted by businessman Michael Mannion crash-landed five miles outside of Athlone at around 8pm on Sunday evening (thus night flying at this time of year)
01-Oct-11 N266CY Robinson R66 Philip, US-South Dakota (1F)
01-Oct-11
Haakon County Sheriff Mel Smith told local radio station that the helicopter crashed in a pasture a mile south of Philip. Sole occupant 64-year-old pilot James Hladky was pronounced dead at the scene.
29-Sep-11 VH-RTB Robinson R22 Maningrida, Australia
29-Sep-11
During aerial mustering, the helicopter’s tail rotor collided with a tree and the helicopter landed heavily. The helicopter sustained serious damage.
28-Sep-11 D-HMOB Robinson R44 Vielist, Germany
28-Sep-11
Crashed shortly after take off. 1 POB – 68-year-old pilot/owner- survived OK.
27-Sep-11 N982DH Robinson R44 Clearwater, US-Florida
27-Sep-11
Training accident, ended up on its side
24-Sep-11 N3070S Robinson R22 Douglas, US-Wyoming
24-Sep-11
Skids struck the ground while hovertaxying
23-Sep-11 N8324F Robinson R44 Curren, US-Michigan (2F)
23-Sep-11
Wooded area of Alcona County. Fatalities listed as owner Dan Logghe, 46, and an employee of his, Mark May aged 33. Failed to return on 23-Sep, hence listed as date. But they had been away and potentially out of contact for a few days, so this may not have been the actual accident day.
Sloane Helicopters at Helitech 2011
Source: Sloane Helicopters, 22-Sep-11
Sloane Helicopters is delighted to be exhibiting at the largest European helicopter show, Helitech 2011, Duxford, from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th September 2011. In our capacity as the UK and Ireland distributor and Customer Service Centre for Agusta and Robinson helicopters, we will be presenting a range of aviation products and services including the [...]
22-Sep-11 N391LV Robinson R44 Culpeper, US-Virginia
22-Sep-11
Landed in field in unknown circumstances. Filed by FAA as accident report
20-Sep-11 ZS-PXL Robinson R44 Kimberley, South Africa
20-Sep-11
“There was a severe vibration, and then we lost power. I made an emergency landing and executed a hard landing followed. “ Boom broken and cabwhich boom became bent and detached. Skids and cabin appear
18-Sep-11 XA-UFE Robinson R44 Nichupte, Mexico
18-Sep-11
Landed in a lagoon during a tour flight. The aircraft ended up completely submerged. Pilot Ricardo Bulerui and tourists Ricardo Santos and Eduardo Abelnai were not hurt in the crash.
Mornington Sanford Aviation expands in multiple directions
Source: HeliHub.com, 14-Sep-11
Mornington Sanford Aviation have recently received EASA Part 147 Approval to conduct Robinson R66 differences courses for those engineers who already have the R22/R44 types on their licences. Additionally, the company is soon to set up an EASA Approved Part 147 training school in Kuala Lumpur for the R22, R44 with Lycoming engine and the [...]
Report: Robinson profile and SWOT analysis
Source: MarketResearch, 12-Sep-11
Synopsis ICD Research’s Robinson Helicopter Company, Inc.: Company Profile and SWOT Analysis contains in depth information and data about the company and its operations. The profile contains a company overview, business description, SWOT analysis, key facts, information on products and services, details of locations and subsidiaries, plus information on key news events affecting the company. [...]
New US Coast-to-Coast speed record attempt
Source: World Record Helicopter Team, 12-Sep-11
From: The World Record Helicopter Team & USA Academy Of Aviation Inc. French Valley Airport ( F70) Murrieta, Ca. Tel 951-551 6592- 951-600 2883. when: In September 2011. From Where: From Brown Airport, San Diego- to Savannah Hilton Head, GA, and back. Departure Time will be 6 o’clock AM. What is the current record and [...]
Great Lakes Helicopters to open third base
11-Sep-11
Canadian operator Great Lakes Helicopters are targetting the date of 1st October for the opening of their third base at Billy Bishop Regional Airport just east of the city of Owen Sound. They will be using a Robinson R44 and targetting the charter market. The company is based at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, [...]
Heliflite delivers two more R22s into Western Australia
Source: Heliflite, 11-Sep-11
Heliflite is pleased to announce two new Robinson helicopter deliveries from its Western Australian helicopter sales and service centre at Jandakot Airport. Heliflite was proud to deliver a new R22 Beta II to Mark Bettini of “De Grey Station”, who runs a family owned cattle property northeast of Port Hedlan. This is the second helicopter [...]
10-Sep-11 PR-CEC Robinson R44 Vale do Encantado, Brazil (2F)
10-Sep-11
Helicopter took off from Santos Dumont airport at about 20h on Saturday and fell about 30 minutes later, in the middle of the Tijuca Forest killing both occupants. A local resident said there was much fog on the site at the time. Pilot named as Erick Ramiro Freitas, 25, son of Elzo Padilha Freitas, owner [...]
Robinson R66 Service Letter SL-03
Source: Robinson, 07-Sep-11
Clutch Assembly Retaining Bolt Replacement
Robinson R44 Service Letter SL-41
Source: Robinson, 07-Sep-11
Ground Handling Wheels and Wheel Supports
