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
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
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
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
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
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
10-Aug-2015Source: Torquay Herald Express
TORBAY millionaire hotel owner Keith Richardson has been fined £3,000 after his helicopter caused a parasol to take off and strike a teenage guest. See Full Story... Read more
6-Aug-2015Source: Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
Leading up to the September 3rd soft opening, the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum will begin offering helicopter tours from August 5th throughout the summer over one of the world’s densest dinosaur bone-bed sites. The tours will showcase stunning aerial views of the museum, Pipestone Creek and Wapiti River, snaking through heavily wooded terrain to the mass gravesite of... Read more
24-Jun-2015Source: Cool City Avionics
Cool City Avionics congratulates Contact Aviation in Waterford, Michigan on the successful completion of their first Cool City Avionics HAP-100 autopilot installation. The installation was completed on a Robinson R-44 helicopter. John Shirk, Managing Director of Contact Aviation, reports: “The HAP-100 was delivered on time, on budget, squawk free, and is performing perfectly.” Most importantly,... Read more
22-Jun-2015Source: Australian Flying
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has called on US and European regulators to improve the safety of helicopter fuel systems. See Full Story... Read more
12-Jun-2015Source: Simplex
Simplex Aerospace has been granted validation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Brazilian Agencia Nacional de Dviacao Civil (ANAC) for its Model 244 Agricultural Spray System for the Robinson R44 helicopter. The Brazilian ANAC approval, CST# 2015S05-06, gives Brazilian helicopter operators the opportunity to meet contract requirements in Brazil’s growing agricultural industry. The Brazil... Read more
27-Apr-2015Source: Aviation WA
The City of Perth has approved a two-year trial of of two floating helipads on the north side of the Swan River, opposite the Perth Concert Hall and Terrace Road carpark, 200 metres to the east of WA Row All Posts ing Club, near Barrack Street Jetty. See Full Story ... Read more
23-Apr-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The New Zealand CAA is exploring the need for changes in the regulation of the Robinson helicopter fleet. This is in response to a number of accidents involving Robinson helicopters in the last few years. As part of the response to these accidents, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (“TAIC”) and the CAA have reviewed the... Read more
17-Mar-2015Source: HeliHub.com
New Zealand operator Garden City Helicopters has sent an AS350 and a BK117 to Vanuatu to help with the ongoing humanitarian aid operation in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Pam, which hit the archipelago country on Saturday 14th. President Baldwin Lonsdale is quoted as saying the storm has wiped out all development of recent... Read more
4-Mar-2015Source: HeliHub.com
In 2014 Robinson produced 329 helicopters in contrast to the 523 helicopters of 2013. Kurt Robinson, company President, said this was due to the catching up on the backlog of R66s. The other reason involved the fact that over 70% of Robinson helicopters are produced outside the USA and that has to do with economies... Read more
2-Mar-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Swedish operator Northern Helicopters has the two highest hour G2 Cabri helicopters in the world, and nearly 8,500 hours experience flying the type. However, they have decided to sell the two examples that they have, and are in the process of acquiring three Robinson R44 Raven IIs to replace them. Northern cite “increasing costs and... Read more
24-Feb-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Following the issue of Emergency ADs over the weekend on all Robinson R44s with C016-7 “Dash 7” blades, new documentation has been issued by Australia and New Zealand with less onerous requirements. These helicopters are no longer grounded, but require inspection of the blades by the pilot before each and every flight. In issuing DCA/R44/32,... Read more
23-Feb-2015
Australia and New Zealand have prohibited Robinson R44 helicopters from further flight if they are fitted with main rotor blades with reference C016-7. This follows the fatal accident of an R44 in New Zealand last week from the fleet of Over The Top Helicopters, which killed one of their instructors and his 18 year old... Read more
13-Feb-2015Source: Frasca
FRASCA International, Inc. Urbana, IL will be displaying two helicopter flight simulators at this years Heli-Expo (March 3-5, Orlando – booth #5031). Both simulators are newly developed and available for pilots to fly and experience at the show. FRASCA’s new TruFlite™ R44 FTD (Flight Training Device) is a high fidelity simulator for the Robinson R44... Read more
6-Feb-2015Source: HeliHub.com
After a level 2013 (over 2012) and a bumper 45% increase in 2012 production over 2011, Robinson production sunk in 2014. Robinson Helicopter’s production for 2014 was 329 helicopters – 101 R66s, 186 R44s and 42 R22s, a huge 37% drop compared to 2013’s production of 523. Looking at each model, the R22 production was... Read more
13-Jan-2015Source: Garmin
Garmin G500H glass panels have been installed in the Guidance Aviation helicopter fleet. Last year, the primary helicopter flight training organization with flight operations in Prescott, Arizona and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, announced their decision to upgrade their aircraft. Now, the organization’s fleet upgrade is in its final phase with all of the IFR fleet installations... Read more
6-Jan-2015Source: Florida Today
The operator of helicopter tours from Port Canaveral will be able to continue offering them, under a plan unanimously approved by port commissioners. See Full Story... Read more
19-Dec-2014Source: Transas
Robinson R44 Flight Training Device (FTD), manufactured by Transas, successfully passed flight tests by both UTair and Russian Aviation Agency test pilots, to obtain the official Approval for use in simulator-based pilot training programs. The FNPT Level II flight training device for Robinson R44 light helicopter will be operated at UTair’s own Pilot Training Center.... Read more
4-Dec-2014Source: Robinson
Robinson Helicopter Company’s float option for its 5-place R66 was FAA approved on November 15, 2014. Designated the R66 Turbine Marine, the R66 pop-out float option is similar to the R44 Clipper pop-out float option (in fact, the same float tubes are used) and like the Clipper, the R66 Turbine Marine offers an additional level... Read more
21-Nov-2014Source: Carlotte Observer
Iran An Iranian company on Thursday displayed four brand new U.S.-made helicopters it purchased through third parties, offering them as proof that the country could evade international sanctions over its disputed nuclear program. See Full Story... Read more
28-Oct-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation have awarded helicopter pilot training scholarships with a combined value of over £80,000 to five of their student pilots following a two month intensive interview process. A total of 24 scholarship applications were received. James Geary from Kent was awarded the commercial pilot scholarship which will fund all his hour building up to... Read more
23-Oct-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced it is now a distributor of Helitowcart BearPaw products through its Aeronautical AccessoriesTM brand. The BearPaw product line is approved for a variety of helicopter manufacturers and models, including the Robinson R44 and R66, Airbus AS350, Airbus AS355 and Airbus EC130. Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) have been received... Read more
16-Oct-2014Source: Robinson
The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) chose Robinson Helicopter Company’s R44 Raven II to replace its fleet of Hughes 500D helicopters that have been in service since 1981. Equipped with Garmin and Aspen glass avionics, and Bendix King’s new military KTR909 UHF transceiver, the white R44s will be used for primary helicopter training at the... Read more
10-Oct-2014Source: Oceania Aviation
SKYSALES an Oceania Aviation Company in association with NZCAA and Robinson Helicopters are hosting a one day product seminar to explore and discuss the R66 and R44 helicopter models. The safety briefing will be hosted by SKYSALES and will be attended by Robinson’s Chief Pilot, Mr Tim Tucker from Long Beach, California. Tim is well... Read more
18-Sep-2014Source: Nordic Rotors
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) has published its final report following an accident that occurred in Tyresö, south east of Stockholm, on 26 August 2013. The aircraft, a Swedish Robinson R44 Clipper II with the registration SE-JOE, was engaged in a water-sampling assignment in the Stockholm area. The crew consisted of one pilot... Read more
15-Sep-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Rules are Rules. But there’s always a need to test their reasonableness and rulemakers need to show flexibility. When EASA came out with a ruling that would bring to an end the commercial operation of Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters, something needed to be done. The British Helicopter Association was instrumental in leading the way... Read more
8-Sep-2014Source: HeliHub.com
China have launched a new import requirement, with helicopter manufacturers needing to provide Electrical Load Analysis (ELA) data. We understand most manufacturers sent representatives to China for a meeting some weeks back, and most or all of the helicopter types produced by these companies continue to be approved. Bell have confirmed to HeliHub that this... Read more
13-Aug-2014Source: Morington Sanford Aviation
Richard Morington-Sanford visited CASA at oen fo their aviation training centres at Brisbane International Airport in Australia in the period 4th to 8th August 2014. Richard conducted theoretical and practical type training on the Robinson R22 and R44 for 19 of CASA’s maitenance field inspectors responsible for the continuing airworthiness maintenance standards throughout Australia. www.morningtonsanfordaviation.com... Read more
4-Aug-2014Source: Flying TV
From Flying TV’s website:- Mike Smith 1955-2014 It’s with enormous sadness and regret that we share with you the passing of our founder and MD, Mike Smith. Mike died on Friday 1st August in hospital, following complications from major heart surgery. His wife Sarah, his family, Mona and JP were with him. One of his... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: Frasca
Frasca International, Inc. Urbana, IL, has been awarded a contract to supply a Robinson R44/S300 convertible TruFlite™ CAAC Level 5 Flight Training Device (FTD) to Sichuan Xilin Fengteng General Aviation Co. Ltd, located in Guanhan, Sichuan Province, China. The company is the biggest helicopter corporation in the Southwest of China. There are 12 helicopters and 35 pilots... Read more
7-Jul-2014Source: TSB
In its investigation report (A13W0009) released today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that a Robinson R44 helicopter broke up in flight over Fox Creek, Alberta on 27 January 2013 due to inappropriate control inputs that caused the main rotor blade to make contact with the fuselage. The Gemini Helicopters Robinson R44 was... Read more
4-Jul-2014Source: NZ CAA
Robinson Helicopters have accepted the CAA’s invitation to give a safety awareness briefing on the R44 and R66. The one-day safety briefing and product update will be presented by Tim Tucker, chief flying instructor for Robinson. There will be an opportunity on the day after for a dual flight with Tim in the R66 or... Read more
26-Jun-2014Source: Journal Pioneer
Heli-Flight is setting up shop at Slemon Park and will be offering training as well as helicopter tours of Prince Edward Island. See full story... Read more
24-Jun-2014Source: Florida Today
Mark Grainger has received a six-month extension of his permit to operate helicopter tours from Port Canaveral. But he’s not totally in the clear yet to be a permanent tenant of the port. See full story... Read more
23-Jun-2014Source: Guidance Aviation
Girl Scouts participating in the 2014 Discover Aviation Camp received VIP access to Guidance Aviation’s helicopter flight training facilities as well as its associated campus of Yavapai Community College. Campers enjoyed experiencing what it is like to sit in and touch the controls of Robinson R22’s, R44’s, and R66 helicopters; take a part in helicopter... Read more
17-Jun-2014
Officiating the event at a brief ceremony at Julius Nyerere International Airport(JNIA) in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, the Minister for Natural resources and Tourism Mr Lazaro Nyalandu thanked the US government for timely and appropriate support. See full story File photo... Read more
16-Jun-2014Source: St Augustine Record
A couple of guys who came to St. Augustine to fly helicopters are having great success in the helicopter business – see full profile See also http://www.oldcityhelicopters.com/... Read more
10-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
British operator Sloane Helicopters recently marked an impressive 45 years in business, and 25 years at their Sywell headquarters. As many countries marked the 70th anniversary on Friday of the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944, Sloane also remembered the launch event of their current facility at Sywell on 6th June 1989 and the company starting... Read more
6-Jun-2014Source: Precision Aviation Services
Nearing its first anniversary as a Robinson Helicopter Dealer and Service Center, Precision Aviation Services (PAS), a Precision Aviation Group Company (PAG), has already sold 11 helicopters, surpassing the first-year requirement to sell eight. The majority of the helicopters PAG sold were Robinson’s newest, largest and most powerful helicopter, the R66, which is the manufacturer’s... Read more
1-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Aerogeo has announced orders for a further three Robinson R44s to take their helicopter fleet to 37. 15 of these are imported types including Airbus AS350B3, EC120 and EC130, Bell 407, and Robinson R44. While numbers of each are not stated on the company’s website, a photo of seven R44s lined up suggests that this... Read more
30-May-2014Source: West Coast Helicopters
West Coast Helicopters is excited to announce that we have added the Robinson R44 Clipper to our fleet of helicopters. The R44 Clipper with pop out floats is ideal for over water transportation or photography. The R44 can carry up to three passengers and small amount of baggage and still have good legs for distance... Read more
20-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Danish operator Air Service Vamdrup have announced that they have been appointed Robinson Service Center in Norway. This is an expansion of their recently new at our facilities at Eggemoen, approximately 60 miles northwest of Oslo. Their base is within the Eggemoen Aviation & Technology Park. The company will continue to perform regular service for... Read more
14-May-2014Source: HeliUK Expo
Sloane Helicopters is delighted to announce that it will be at HeliUK Expo, at Sywell Aerodrome, 3-4 June 2014. As the UK and Ireland distributor for AgustaWestland and Robinson helicopters, Sloane will carry a wide range of aircraft on static display throughout AeroExpo UK and HeliUK Expo, as well as further aircraft at the Company’s... Read more
11-May-2014Source: CBC
The two survivors of a helicopter crash near Carcross, Yukon, two years ago are suing operator Horizon Helicopters. see full story See also HeliHub.com page for this accident – 10-Jul-12 C-GHZN Robinson R44 Carcross, Canada (1F)... Read more
9-May-2014Source: Irish Times
A helicopter pilot has been fined €20,000 for flying dangerously low over thousands of people attending the busiest day of Ballinasloe Horse Fair three years ago. See full story. The content of that story include reference to the same pilot crashing the helicopter later the same day, which pins it down to the following incident... Read more
28-Apr-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss fixed and rotary wing flight school Flugschule Eichenberger has recently concluded the purchase of a Robinson R44 from a private owner in the UK. Up to now, the flight school has only owned Enstrom helicopters, and currently has F28, F280 and 480 models in its fleet. They have additionally leased in both Bell 206... Read more
