14-Jul-2017Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, today announced that its cargo hook kit for the Robinson R44 Raven II aircraft has been certified for use in Japan by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). This featherweight cargo hook kit is built around Onboard’s TALON® LC Keeperless Cargo Hook... 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
29-Jun-2017Source: FAA
As the public might be aware, effective April 25th, 2017, to conduct operations under FAR Part 135 using a Robinson R44, an operator had to get the aircraft equipped with a “Radio Altimeter”. On June 5th, 2017 the FAA published Change 527 to 8900.1 (Part A Operations Specification) this change effectively extended the compliance date... 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
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
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
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
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
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
10-Feb-2017Source: RAMM Aerospace
Mirabel Heli-Support chooses the RAMM Aerospace R44 Interior Kit for their latest R44 2200 hour/12 year overhaul. The RAMM Interior Kit includes replacement carpet, leather control boots, a wipe clean bulkhead/headliner kit as well as seats completely refurbished with new superior foam and genuine European leather dress covers. Mirabel Heli-Support performs routine and major maintenance as well as aircraft... Read more
7-Feb-2017Source: CAA
A 49-year-old pilot has been prosecuted for flying his helicopter into and out of the 2016 Glastonbury Festival without permission. On June 23 last year, Mark Matthews’ Robinson R44 helicopter was seen to have landed at the Love Fields. On the morning of 26 June, the final day of the Somerset arts and music festival,... Read more
31-Jan-2017Source: RAMM Aerospace
RAMM Aerospace is pleased to announce the Transport Canada approval of their R44 Wipe Clean Bulkhead/Headliner Kit. FAA and EASA approvals are pending. The RAMM Aerospace TCCA STC SH16-48 provides R44 operators a complete replacement Bulkhead/Headliner Kit. Each of the insulation panels are supplied neatly wrapped with a aviation grade synthetic leather for a quick... 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
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
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
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
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
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
9-Mar-2016Source: Daily Courier
The piece of equipment — which retails for $98,750 — is manufactured by X-Copter in Prescott and is used by Guidance Aviation for its helicopter pilot training program. See full story... Read more
23-Feb-2016Source: FRASCA
Frasca International, Inc. announces that Sky Safari General Aviation Co, Ltd., Shanghai, China, has taken delivery of a new FRASCA R44 Level 5 Flight Training Device (FTD). The FRASCA R44FTD is a high fidelity simulator for the Robinson R44 helicopter. The simulator cockpit accurately replicates the R44 aircraft, including panels, controls and instrumentation. Additional features... Read more
22-Feb-2016Source: RHC
Robinson is officially accepting orders for its new two-place R44 Cadet. The introductory price with standard equipment is $339,000 USD, the float equipped version is $367,000 USD, and the required non-refundable deposit is $40,000 USD. Serial numbers will not be assigned and delivery dates will not be confirmed until FAA certification is complete. The R44... Read more
22-Jan-2016Source: Robinson
Robinson Helicopter delivered 347 aircraft in 2015, made up of 117 R66s, 196 R44s, and 34 R22s – a steady gain over 2014, which was in itself a huge drop over 2013. Looking at each model, the R22 production was the lowest in six years, R44s were marginally ahead and the main percentage gain was... Read more
13-Jan-2016Source: HeliHub.com
In 2015, we published a total of 3,298 news stories on HeliHub.com to keep the global helicopter industry fully up-to-date with the news from all corners of our planet – approximately 13 stories every working day of the year. We publish a wide range of stories, some from press releases, others from postings made by... Read more
12-Jan-2016Source: AllMetalMS
All Metal MS, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of solution-driven, custom “Safety First” maintenance stands, hangar equipment, portable field equipment and specialty tooling, announced today the unveiling of its “Safety First” Robinson R22, R44, R66 Maintenance Stand (RW-SS-ROB66) which was delivered to 702 Helicopters located in Las Vegas. The Robinson R22, R44,... Read more
9-Dec-2015
Accident reported on NTSB website without further details... Read more
2-Dec-2015
Both occupants suffered fatal injuries when this R44 went down in the Limpopo region of South Africa. The pair were named as De Klerk van Heerden and Roxanne van der Bank... Read more
30-Nov-2015Source: Sydney Morning Herald
Brazilian police are hunting for a Sao Paulo Santa Claus who kicked off the Christmas shopping season by stealing a helicopter. See Full Story... Read more
18-Nov-2015Source: Robinson
Following HeliHub.com SCOOP stories last week and yesterday, Robinson have now put out the following press release which fills the gaps not previously available. Robinson Helicopter Company plans to debut the R44 Cadet, a two place R44, in the first quarter of 2016. While suitable for a wide variety of utilitarian applications, Robinson developed the... Read more
17-Nov-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Following the exclusive HeliHub.com story last week regarding the new R44 model being worked on, we are now in a position to provide further details. HeliHub.com reader Paddy Wills has published a blog post in which more details are revealed. Paddy runs the excellent HeliPaddy – an app developed for the iOS, Android and web... Read more
12-Nov-2015Source: HeliHub.com
In the last few days, Robinson Helicopter Company have put a new R44 on the FAA register. No big deal, many will think. HeliHub.com takes a different view and regularly reviews data at airframe level and we think it is a big deal. Big enough deal for all our sources to be sworn to secrecy,... Read more
9-Nov-2015Source: NZ CAA
The CAA says new requirements for pilots flying Robinson helicopters will help prevent accidents. Graeme Harris, The Director of Civil Aviation (CAA) has determined that additional safety awareness training will be required for pilots flying Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters. In response to a Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) recommendation we reviewed the status of... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Spanish Police have recently announced that they impounded three helicopters in the last year which they believe have been used in drug smuggling operations between Morocco and Spain – photos of two of these are shown below. They believe they have broken two criminal organisations, and arrested a total of 15 and seized 810kg of... Read more
16-Oct-2015
Emergency landing in the parking lot outside a store after reported fuel problems. No Damage apparent in press photos... Read more
7-Oct-2015
Helicopter crashed, injuring vet Niel Kriel and game keeper Dirk Uys... Read more
7-Oct-2015
During takeoff, the helicopter rolled over. The pilot, the only person on board, received minor injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
5-Oct-2015
R44 with four POB crashed at the AgLand Cooperative fertilizer plant. Images show (1) tail boom sliced by main rotor blades and (2) heavy damage to the front of the cabin and all occupants injured, with two treated locally at Avera St. Benedict Hospital and two with more serious injuries transferred to a more equipped medical... Read more
29-Sep-2015Source: Rotorcorp
You can hate them, but you gotta’ have them. You have probably bought more than one set of costly ground handling wheels for your Robinson Helicopter over the years and have likely felt that you are not quite getting your money’s worth. The ground handling wheel market is flooded with variations of the same old... Read more
9-Sep-2015
Helicopter crashed into trees, dropping vertically nose-first between the trees down to the ground, killing both on board – named as 24-year-old Jeremie Belanger and 41-year-old Ken Mielke – both were pilots were pilots for Apex Helicopters, which was performing aerial spraying for a forestry company in the area. CADORS 2015O2625... Read more
7-Sep-2015
During a hard landing in a field with low-level crop (presumably an emergency landing?), the helicopter rocked back onto its tail, resulting in the tail rotor gearbox and tail shearing off. Rest of helicopter appears unscathed, apart from the skids being splayed out as a result of the heavy landing.... Read more
4-Sep-2015Source: Robinson
The same Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS (Helicopter Stability Augmentation System) and autopilot that was FAA approved on the R66 earlier this year is now available on Robinson’s top selling R44. The R44 autopilot option has all of the same modes and functionality as the R66 including basic stability augmentation, heading hold, altitude hold, navigation signal tracking,... Read more
28-Aug-2015
The helicopter landed hard from an altitude of about 15 feet and slid about 8 to 10 feet. Both skids were spread apart and broken and the helicopter came to rest on its fuselage. Both tail rotor blades separated and the vertical stabilizer was damaged. There was some buckling of the fuselage. The tail boom... Read more
25-Aug-2015
Pilot John Marcotte suffered minor injuries. Tail boom sliced in two places, helicopter ended on its starboard side in a hay field – approx one mile out after departing local airfield... Read more
22-Aug-2015
Clipped tree and crashed to the ground during filming operations. Wayne Bomstad received minor injuries. Pilot Jacob Oliver was still in hospital four days later according to this report.... Read more
