26-Feb-2018Source: Magellan Aerospace
Magellan Aerospace (“Magellan”) and Robinson Helicopter Company (“Robinson”) announced today that a Wire Strike Protection System™ (WSPS™) is now available for the Robinson R66 helicopter platform. The WSPS™ is designed to provide a measure of protection for helicopters in level flight in the event of an encounter with horizontally strung wires and cables, using the... Read more
25-Feb-2018Source: Avidyne Corporation
Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated avionics systems, displays, and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced they have received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval of their IFD Series of FMS/GPS/NAV/COM systems for installation in Robinson Helicopters. “Robinson is the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, and we have found... Read more
23-Feb-2018Source: Robinson
Robinson has added Garmin’s new G500H TXi displays to its R44 and R66 options. The two TXi displays add touchscreen functionality to Garmin’s popular G500H system, and consolidate PFD/MFD information on to a single screen. The upgraded displays provide increased resolution and interface with Garmin’s GTN 6xx/7xx touchscreen GPS series. The GDU (Garmin Display Unit)... Read more
19-Feb-2018Source: Robinson
Robinson’s R66 cargo hook installation will be on display at this year’s Heli-Expo February 27th through March 1st in Las Vegas, NV. The optional cargo hook carries external loads up to 1200 lb and, for external load operations, the R66’s maximum gross weight increases from 2700 lb to 2900 lb. Two installations of the hook... Read more
14-Feb-2018Source: Robinson
Robinson has added wire strike protection provisions to its R66 options list. Available only on R66 helicopters, the provisions are FAA certified and allow for easy, bolt-on installation of Magellan’s WSPS (Wire Strike Protection System) sold separately by Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg, Canada. Robinson provisions add 7 lb to the empty weight of the helicopter and... Read more
22-Jan-2018Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co has a pre-announced price review policy whereby the company raises their list prices on 1st January every year. There is then a rush to place a deposit in December to secure a “2017 price” aircraft, and potentially concluding the details in the early days of January. The company distributes a regular report on projected... Read more
9-Jan-2018Source: Meeker-Airfilm
Meeker-Airfilm are pleased to announce we have received both FAA STC and PMA for our new R44 and R66 light weight nose mount. The nose mount requires no permanent modifications to the airframe and fits over the existing landing light cover. The maximum payload is limited to 50lbs and is intended for various camera systems,... Read more
8-Dec-2017Source: HeliHub.com
Airbus has finally conceded defeat on the H120 (née EC120) and confirmed that the production line has been closed after delivering exactly 700 units. The Robinson R66 Turbine is the reason, and it is a trend HeliHub.com has identified and predicted for many years and written about – check out these stories in particular Clubhouse talk... Read more
11-Nov-2017
Crashed at the end of the runway... Read more
6-Nov-2017
The sheriff was reported as saying Pilot Robert Krier with Ride the Sky Helicopters and passenger Steve Ahrendt, the owner of the cattle, were in the helicopter when it clipped a power line looking for loose cattle. Both occupants reported as suffering serious injuries.... Read more
23-Oct-2017Source: Aviation Nepal
Prabhu Helicopter Pvt Ltd brought its third brand new Turbine Robinson R66 helicopter, designed and built by Robinson Helicopter Company in CA, USA for commercial operations in the country, a statement issued by the company today said. According to the Officials from Prabhu Helicopter, the company’s third chopper reached its base at Pokhara Airport on... Read more
13-Sep-2017Source: Gemco
Go Engine Management Company (Gemco) announced today the expansion of its popular line of piston-engine cost-stabilization products with the addition of a unique, new Helicopter Savings Overhaul Program. Designed to assist owners and operators meet the FAA mandatory 2200-hour airframe and engine overhaul requirement, which can exceed $250,000, the program provides many benefits including: A fixed, monthly tax-deductible expense... Read more
21-Aug-2017
Sole occupant pilot suffered fatal injuries when helicopter crashed into a mountain, per press reports... Read more
18-Aug-2017
Passing 500 ft in a descending turn at approximately 50 kt, the pilot reported the helicopter began to vibrate. The pilot was unable to stop the vibration and conducted a precautionary landing. The helicopter landed hard and severed the tail boom. The helicopter sustained substantial damage and the pilot and three passengers were not injured.... Read more
17-Aug-2017Source: HeliHub.com
The European Union Tenders website has been updated to show that Belgian operator Heli and Co have been awarded a contract to survey the Gasunie gas pipeline network in the Netherlands. The company expects to operate Robinson R44 helicopters for this work, and supercedes German operator S P Luftbild who previously operated the contract. Gasunie... Read more
8-Aug-2017Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, today announced that its cargo hook kits with Surefire® release technology for the Robinson Helicopter R66 aircraft have been STC certified by the FAA. Onboard has also submitted these Surefire-enabled systems to Transport Canada for certification. The Surefire circuit requires a purposeful,... Read more
7-Aug-2017Source: Robinson Helicopter Company
Robinson Helicopter Company received FAA certification for its R66 Turbine Newscopter. The turnkey ready R66 ENG (Electronic News Gathering) helicopter is the ideal solution for television news outlets wanting a reliable, economical, turbine powered helicopter with a state-of-the-art news broadcasting system. Powered by the Rolls Royce RR300 turbine engine, the four-place R66 Newscopter delivers greater... Read more
20-Jul-2017Source: Robinson
On 14 July 2017, Robinson Helicopter Company added the TB17 Lithium-ion battery to its R66 options. TB17 by True Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument, offers substantial weight savings, improved starter performance and longer life. At 16 lb., the TB17 is significantly lighter than the R66’s standard battery which weighs 42 lb. and the... Read more
12-Jul-2017Source: EASA
Shadin Avionics recently announced that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the Shadin Avionics Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for the Robinson R66 Fuel Flow Management System. The certification covers the installation of a RemoteFlo Fuel Flow System on the Robinson R66 helicopter and Rolls-Royce RR300 engine. The RemoteFlo offers R66 pilots access to... Read more
9-Jul-2017Source: Aviation Nepal
According to the Prabhu Helicopter official website, it had placed an order with Robinson Helicopter Company, CA, USA to procure brand new Turbine Robinson R66 on May, 2017 and the new helicopter is expected to arrive in Nepal by this September. The company is planning to initiate its operation from Kathmandu to the near and... Read more
4-Jul-2017Source: HeliHub.com
Uralhelicom is a Russian helicopter operator who is a certified dealer with Robinson Helicopters and also has a service centre for Airbus Helicopters. They have had seven deliveries out this year; four Robinsons, an AW119, an EC145 and a H125. One of their representatives has disclosed that the R66 and R44 are the two most... Read more
9-Jun-2017
Main blades sliced tail boom and skids splayed out on heavy landing in gusty conditions. 2 POB injured... Read more
4-Jun-2017
Helicopter ended on its side on the concrete apron with the sole occupant pilot seriously injured, who was then airlifted in a Flight for Life BK117... Read more
3-Jun-2017
Date was recorded as 04-Jun-17 when helicopter wreckage was found, but as reports state the pilot’s family were looking “in the middle of the night” for him, and he was last seen on 03-Jun-17, we believe the accident date would most likely have been 03-Jun-17. NTSB also tweeted on 4th June that they were attending... Read more
2-Jun-2017
Main blades struck street light on final approach to land at the Hohe Düne marina, and the instability created led to the crash. Tail (including rotor) separated in the accident. The complete scene is best seen in this YouTube video. Light injuries to the 4 POB – although some reports say 3 POB and one... Read more
1-Jun-2017Source: HeliHub.com
The Toledo Police Department was given approval to sell their only helicopter, a R44 Robinson, recently this past week. They have stated that the engine is in need of a complete overhaul and the basic kit cost alone ranges from $250,000 to $275,000. That is without the labour costs. They bought the helicopter in 2001... Read more
28-May-2017
Crashed and destroyed by fire. 3 POB seriously injured. Passengers named as Carlos Marcelo Ruiz Sánchez and Juan Domínguez were transferred to a hospital in Naolinco, while the pilot was taken to a hospital in Xalapa.... Read more
23-May-2017Source: RAMM Aerospace
RAMM Aerospace is proud to announce receipt of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for their R44 Replacement Seat Kit. With this FAA STC on hand, RAMM Aerospace now offers the most beneficial R44 Replacement Interior Kit on the market. The RAMM Aerospace R44 Replacement Interior Kit includes precut Carpet or Utility Flooring Kit, Leather... Read more
22-May-2017Source: HeliHub.com
The city of Toledo is going forward with their plans to sell their Robinson R44 helicopter that was purchased in 2001. The Toledo City Council is currently reviewing legislation, reports Toledo Blade, which gives Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson authority to go forward with the sale. The original cost was $504,000 and has been in use for... Read more
20-May-2017
Fell onto starboard side in training accident.... Read more
20-May-2017
Close to company base, helicopter landed upright, but with main blades slicing the tail boom off close to the tail rotor... Read more
19-May-2017
two farmers and their sons were returning home from the Nampo Harvest Day on Bothaville in the Free State when the accident occurred. One farmer, Douw Wentzel Snr, and the other farmer’s son Andre Deale suffered fatal injuries.... Read more
17-May-2017
During aerial work, the helicopter collided with trees and subsequently with terrain. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
16-May-2017Source: HeliHub.com
A temporary helicopter support bas has been set up at Tapa Army Base for the Estonian Defence Force’s Robinson R-44 helicopters during the Spring Storm exercise. As reported by ERR, 11 helicopters will be taking part in the exercise. They will be practicing supporting ground forces with air attacks. The temporary base allows for faster... Read more
10-May-2017
Struck powerline during agricultural work and force landed in the field below... Read more
5-May-2017
Two passengers and a pilot were taking a waterfront tour, when the R44 experienced mechanical problems and an emergency landing was made. The helicopter struck two vans near a golf course and caught fire, but all three occupants got out before the flames broke out. Operator was Santa Barbara Helicopter Tours, who lease it from... Read more
4-May-2017
Crashed killing 3 onboard as the helicopter was monitoring forest fires in Bashkortostan, Russia. Reports coming in state that the pilot and 2 forestry workers were killed instantly when the R44 came down in the forest... Read more
3-May-2017
Helicopter sank into the ground on landing and then tilted backwards. The pilot applies more power but loses control of the helicopter which falls onto its side. BEA 2017-0233... Read more
3-May-2017
FAA report no injuries in force landing, damage to helicopter “unknown”... Read more
18-Apr-2017Source: HeliHub.com
Mid-Continent Aviation Services is now an authorized service centre for Robinson Helicopter Co. They have had to invest in equipment and helicopter parts, as well as training for their staff in their air-frame and power plant. Director of Maintenance, Pete Galusha has said that Allen Zon, DWTA Helicopters owner, helped their pursuit in becoming the... Read more
5-Apr-2017Source: HeliHub.com
High Tide Helicopters recently announced their expansion plan. They now offer private helicopter charters weekly, at hourly or daily rates. These trips, which can accommodate up to three people, will be flown with High Tide’s Robinson R44 Raven II and can go anywhere in the Eastern United States. As reported by WWay3, it took the... Read more
13-Mar-2017Source: Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce has expanded support for operators of its RR300 engines powering Robinson Helicopters R66 aircraft, adding new service locations, extended warranty coverage and updated technology. With nearly 800 RR300 engines delivered into the market for the R66, Rolls-Royce remains focused on delivering the best customer support possible. R66 operators have amassed more than 550,000 flight... Read more
8-Mar-2017Source: Garmin
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced a series of enhancements and an expanded feature set for Garmin’s G500H glass flight display STC in Robinson R44 helicopters. Pilots flying behind the G500H in the R44 will experience a faster, more responsive and modernized flight display, alongside a number of additional... Read more
3-Mar-2017Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has developed the first Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) for the Robinson R66 Turbine helicopter. Certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Feb. 24 as an addition to Robinson’s R66 Type Certificate, the IBF will be available as a factory option from Robinson Helicopter... Read more
2-Mar-2017Source: HeliHub.com
European regulators EASA have this week certified the Robinson R44 Cadet. This model retains the same basic airframe, rotor system, and Lycoming O-540-F1B5 engine as the R44 Raven I, but with the rear seats have been removed and the aft compartment reconfigured for cargo. Maximum gross weight is 2200 lb (200 lb less than the... Read more
28-Feb-2017Source: HeliHub.com
For at least the last 35 years, the UK gas pipelines have been surveyed by single turbine helicopters, mainly Bell 206 JetRangers, but there was a interlude of a few years when the task was completed using Hughes 500Cs as well as a short-lived attempt using Schweizer 333s. In a break with this tradition, NationalGrid... Read more
13-Feb-2017Source: Nordic Rotors
Svensk Pilotutbildning (SPU) has been awarded an agreement with the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (“Myndigheten för Yrkeshögskolan”) for training of 14 new helicopter pilots a year, until 2020, which in total means 28 positions funded by the Swedish Government. The agency got a lot of attention for its January 2014 decision, where... Read more
30-Jan-2017Source: HeliHub.com
The FAA has recently certified Monumental Helicopters as an Air Carrier, allowing them to operate on-demand passenger and cargo carrying services. This certification now allows them to provide flights to 48 states. Their three passenger Robinson R44 is now allowed to land at any helipad, airport or clearing in the Mid-Atlantic Region, reports Rotor Daily.... Read more
27-Jan-2017Source: HeliHub.com
Solaire Heliluck Aviation have recently imported the first R66 in Thailand, and it is now registered as HS-LLQ as seen in the photo here. Engineering training and support for the built out of the crate was provided by Mornington Sanford Aviation. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com ... Read more
26-Jan-2017Source: Robinson
On December 23, 2016 R66 S/N 0763 became the 12,000th helicopter to roll off Robinson Helicopter’s production line. “A nice way to end the year,” said Robinson President, Kurt Robinson. S/N 0763 will be delivered to Hover Dynamics, one of three long-time Robinson dealers in South Africa. The helicopter was purchased by a new charter... Read more
20-Jan-2017Source: Robinson Helicopter Company
On January 13th, Robinson Helicopter Company delivered an R44 Cadet to the University of North Dakota (UND). This is the first Cadet to be used in UND’s prestigious flight training program. UND Aerospace owns the largest civilian flight training operation in the world with three campuses and over 150 aircraft and flight training devices. The... Read more
11-Jan-2017Source: Robinson
On December 20, 2016 EASA issued final approval for the R66 Turbine Marine pop-out float installation. After tests conducted in July demonstrated the pop-out float installation meets Sea State 4 requirements, EASA officially approved the Marine to be used in emergency situations and for commercial operations. Sea State refers to the height, period, and character... Read more
20-Dec-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Night Flight Concepts has begun BlueSky Helicopter Tours in Waco, Texas. Adam Aldous, Night Flight President, is excited about the tours and what it can offer for tourism in Waco. “This is a chance to expose them to a different view, literally, of where they are,” reports Aldous. A six month permit was unanimously granted... Read more
4-Nov-2016Source: DOC
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has suspended the use of all Robinson helicopters to transport DOC staff, volunteers and contractors. DOC’s decision follows the recent fatal Robinson R44 crash in Northland involving two forestry workers and the placing of Robinson helicopters on a Transport Accident Investigation Commission ‘watchlist’. DOC’s Director Health and Safety, Harry Maher,... Read more
28-Oct-2016Source: TAIC
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission in New Zealand yesterday added two new significant items to its Watchlist of most pressing concerns. One involves Robinson helicopter and the other safety issues for pedestrians and vehicles using railway level crossings. The detail provided on Robinson helicopters is as follows:- There are around 300 Robinson helicopters registered in... Read more
21-Oct-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co have put out a press release to say that they have delivered two R44 Cadets to Texas distributor Sky Helicopters, noting the serial numbers are 30006 and 30007. Given the first one in the numerical series is the factory demonstrator and development aircraft, that means they have only delivered six Cadets since... Read more
19-Oct-2016Source: HeliHub.com
The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission has lifted the customs duties on helicopters with empty weight of up to 1 ton. The countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, such as Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan will be affected by this temporary lift, which will run until the end of 2017. The decision was... Read more
14-Oct-2016Source: True Blue Power
True Blue Power announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the company’s TB17 (17-amp hour) lithium-ion batteries on Robinson R44 helicopters. This is the first STC granted by the FAA for lithium-ion battery use as a primary electrical power source, including engine start. True Blue Power partnered with... Read more
10-Oct-2016Source: HAI
The FAA has approved the integration of Garmin 335 and 345 Mode S transponders in the Robinson R22, R44 and R66 range. The newly approved transponders meet the ADS-B Out requirements without the need for an independent GPS system. Estimated at $3,900, the GTX 335 enables owners and operators to respect current regulations and at... Read more
4-Oct-2016Source: Tier 1 Engineering
Tier 1 Engineering announced today that its battery-powered manned helicopter program achieved a successful first hover on Tuesday, September 13th, a first hover taxi on Wednesday, September 14th and a record five minute cruise flight to 400 feet altitude with a peak speed of 80 knots on Wednesday, September 21st. The helicopter was a... Read more
8-Sep-2016
Aspen is pleased to announce that FAA approval has been obtained for Aspen displays to be used as an attitude source for Genesys Aerosystems’ HeliSAS stability augmentation and autopilot system on Robinson R44 helicopters. To commemorate this milestone, Genesys Aerosystems and Aspen Avionics will be offering significant savings off of list prices through the month... Read more
16-Aug-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Valair, the distributor for Robinson Helicopter Co in Switzerland, has recently delivered the tenth R66 now flying in the mountainous European country. Eight of these ten delivered new by Valair, with the other two bought pre-owned from the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom. The latest example is serial 0728 and is the first R66... Read more
31-Jul-2016Source: X-copter
Flying Helicopters Made Easy flight school attracts US and International students who are looking for Ground, Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor certificates. Operating two Robinson R22 and two Robinson R44 aircraft, the school employs flight training experience and methodologies, used by one of the best air forces in the world, to make better... Read more
19-Jul-2016Source: Robinson
FAA approves Garmin’s GTX 335 and 345 Mode S transponders for use in Robinson R22, R44 and R66 helicopters. The newly approved transponders meet impending ADS-B Out regulations without requiring a standalone GPS. Priced at $3,900, the GTX 335 enables owners and operators to meet impending regulations with minimal expense. At $6,300, the GTX 345... Read more
13-Jul-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Following the prototype – serial 30001 – Australian Robinson distributor Heliflite has taken delivery of the next two aircraft off the production line – unsurprisingly 30002 and 30003 – and they are now on local registrations in that country. Given the FAA type approval was issued on May 6th, it surprises the HeliHub.com team that... Read more
12-Jul-2016Source: Robinson
Robinson has announced that the Garmin G500H Avionics Display System is now an option on new R44 Raven II and Cadet helicopters. Already available on the R66 Turbine, the G500H system is a combination Primary Flight Display and Multifunction Display (PFD/MFD) which provides flight instrumentation, moving map navigation, and situational awareness on dual screens. Garmin’s... Read more
24-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Elite Helicopters – a British operator which has been flying for 21 years – has announced they will be opening a second base. The chosen location is Fairoaks Airport on the south-west suburbs of London. The company originally started flying from White Waltham airfield, but has been located at Goodwood for the vast majority of... Read more
20-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Police in the Ohio city of Toledo are considering getting out of air operations as the mandatory overhaul on their Robinson R44 registered N135WB approaches, and they are without the budget to achieve it. The city took delivery of their police-equipped R44 in 2001, with finance coming from a federal grant and department funds. Local... Read more
13-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com
High Tide Helicopters would like to start helicopter rides in a Robinson R44 from Carolina Beach in North Carolina, and believe they have sufficient business from visitors to the area to substantiate one mid-week day of flying per week between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year. So that’s 16 days flying per year. High... Read more
12-May-2016
The ATSB is investigating a collision with terrain involving a Robinson R22, VH-WGB, 220 km NE of Port Hedland Airport, Western Australia, on 12 May 2016. While conducting aerial work, the helicopter collided with terrain. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
10-May-2016Source: Robinson
On 6 May 2016, Robinson Helicopter Company received FAA certification for its two-place R44 Cadet helicopter. Combining the best of the R22 and R44, Robinson believes the Cadet’s modest price of $339,000 (with floats $367,000) will appeal to the training market as well as operators that want the economy of a small helicopter with the... Read more
27-Apr-2016Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, today announced that its new Remote Hook Electrical Release Kit for the Robinson R44 Raven II aircraft has been STC certified by the FAA and Transport Canada. Onboard has also submitted this kit to EASA for certification in Europe. Onboard’s Remote Hook... Read more
5-Apr-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson has announced that a collective-activated hour meter along with an updated hub and redesigned main rotor spindles are now standard on all new R22s. This supercedes an oil-pressure-activated meter which records all engine run time. The new collective activated meter records collective-up (flight) time and does not include engine warm up and cool down... Read more
26-Mar-2016
on a local pleasure flight from a private facility at Redfern Lake, BC. As the pilot attempted a landing at approximately 7800 feet ASL near the edge of a cirque, the aircraft encountered descending air on final. The pilot elected to continue the approach and increased the collective to maintain the sight picture. The pilot... Read more
23-Mar-2016Source: Oceania Aviation
Oceania Aviation, the Robinson helicopter distributor for New Zealand’s South Island, has accepted an order for a brand new Robinson R44 from leading Tourist Operator, Southern Lakes Helicopters. The soon-to-be-imported aircraft will be the first new R44 to arrive in New Zealand for over 2 years. With over 160 R44 models registered in New Zealand,... Read more