Robinson Helicopter Company delivered two R44 Raven IIs to longtime Robinson dealer, PHU Polinar of Poland. On November 13th, PHU Polinar delivered the aircraft to the Polish Air Force University, marking the first acquisition of American helicopters to be used for military training in Poland. Founded in 1927, the Polish Air Force University is an… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 14-Dec-18
Simplex® Aerospace announced it has received FAA STC SR02629SE for their latest agricultural spray system for the Robinson R66 helicopter. The spray system, Simplex® Aerospace Model 266, is a next-generation spray system integrating several of Simplex® Aerospace’s newly developed agricultural spray technologies including new composite techniques and carbon-fiber booms. Simplex is the sole U.S. producer… Read more »
Source: Simplex Aerospace, 11-Dec-18
The Southern Utah University Aviation Program continues to grow and improve with the arrival of a brand new helicopter. The Robinson R44 Cadet is straight from the factory, and specifically selected in SUU red. SUU’s Aviation Program works hard to provide students with the best opportunities to learn preparing them for future careers. Robert Paul, Assistant Chief Instructor of… Read more »
Source: Southern Utah University, 07-Dec-18
On 8 November 2018, Transport Canada approved Robinson’s R66 cargo hook installation, providing Canadian commercial lift operators with a high performance, low cost solution giving them a leg up on the competition. The optional cargo hook carries external loads up to 1200 lb., and the R66’s maximum gross weight increases from 2700 lb. to 2900… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 05-Dec-18
Taking a year to organise and obtain the necessary approvals from the authority, Richard Mornington-Sanford successfully conducted a Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh Part 147. B2 type training course on the Robinson R66 & (Corp 300) engine for Bashundhara Airways Ltd Dhaka. The course consisted of 72 hours of theoretical training and 18 hours of practical… Read more »
Source: Mornington-Sanford Aviation, 05-Oct-18
Helicopter was trying to take off from the top level of a parking garage when the operator lost control, striking a parked car
30-Sep-18
Atlanta-based Rotorcorp LLC today announced its newly-formed strategic partnership with MAK Heliservices LLC based in Baton Rouge. Work performed as part of the joint venture will be delivered under the newly formed ‘Rotorcorp Helicopter Services LLC’, which received its official Service Center authorization from Robinson Helicopter Company in August 2018. Rotorcorp Helicopter Services will focus exclusively… Read more »
Source: Rotorcorp Helicopter Services, 17-Sep-18
Atlanta-based Rotorcorp LLC announced its newly-formed strategic partnership with MAK Heliservices LLC based in Baton Rouge. Work performed as part of the joint venture will be delivered under the newly formed ‘Rotorcorp Helicopter Services LLC’, which received its official Service Center authorization from Robinson HelicopterCompany in August 2018. Rotorcorp Helicopter Services will focus exclusively on performing… Read more »
Source: Rotorcorp, 14-Sep-18
Robinson Helicopter Company President and CEO Kurt Robinson will represent the International Helicopter Safety Team (www.IHST.org) in Texas next month when he addresses the helicopter industry at the FAA’s 2018 International Rotorcraft Safety Conference. The three-day workshop event takes place in Hurst, TX, on Oct. 23-25. The free conference (www.faahelisafety.org) gathers together rotorcraft pilots, mechanics,… Read more »
Source: IHST, 10-Sep-18
The FAA approved Robinson’s R66 cargo hook installation. 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. The cargo hook installation includes an Onboard Systems hook, right and left-seat controls (allowing for solo flight from either… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 21-Aug-18
The Heliports group of companies supplied the private owner with the next Robinson R44 helicopter. This is one of the first helicopters of this type in Russia, equipped with the Garmin G500H flight navigation system and the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS autopilot system. Currently, the aircraft is being assembled at the aviation-technical base of the Heliport of… Read more »
Source: Vertolet, 18-Jun-18
Robinson Helicopter Company received orders for additional R44 Cadets from the universities of North Dakota (UND) and Southern Utah (SUU). This will be UND’s second Cadet and SUU’s third. UND’s Chief Helicopter Instructor Wes Van Dell said, “We are very excited to add a second R44 Cadet to our fleet. Having evaluated the Cadet… Read more »
Source: Robinson Helicopter Company, 14-Jun-18
RPX Technologies announces that its DynaVibe and DynaTrack optical blade tracking accessory have been accepted by the Robinson Helicopter Company for R22-series and R44-series helicopter tracking and balancing purposes. During the 2018 HAI Heli-Expo, RPX personnel will demonstrate DynaVibe and DynaTrack in booth C4043. This complete track and balance system is simple-to-use, allows users to complete the process quickly, and is priced… Read more »
Source: RPX Technologies, 22-Mar-18
Robinson Helicopter Company produced 305 helicopters in 2017. The R44 led the way with 174, ranking as the world’s best-selling helicopter according to GAMA’s* General Aviation Aircraft Shipment 2017 Year End Report. Seventy-seven R66s came off the line and, according to data supplied by Rolls Royce, the R66 fleet logged approximately 185,000 hours in 2017,… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 28-Feb-18
Tanis Aircraft Products is proud to announce the installation of a Tanis Heli-Preheat Kit on a R44 Robinson at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences located at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Wes Van Dell, Chief Helicopter Flight Instructor with the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota… Read more »
Source: Tanis Aircraft Products, 26-Feb-18
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 »
Source: Magellan Aerospace, 26-Feb-18
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 »
Source: Avidyne Corporation, 25-Feb-18
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 »
Source: Robinson, 23-Feb-18
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 »
Source: Robinson, 19-Feb-18
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 »
Source: Robinson, 14-Feb-18
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Jan-18
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 »
Source: Meeker-Airfilm, 09-Jan-18
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Dec-17
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.
06-Nov-17
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 »
Source: Aviation Nepal, 23-Oct-17
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 »
Source: Gemco, 13-Sep-17
Sole occupant pilot suffered fatal injuries when helicopter crashed into a mountain, per press reports
21-Aug-17
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.
18-Aug-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 17-Aug-17
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 »
Source: Onboard Systems, 08-Aug-17
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 »
Source: Robinson Helicopter Company, 07-Aug-17
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 »
Source: Robinson, 20-Jul-17
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 »
Source: EASA, 12-Jul-17
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 »
Source: Aviation Nepal, 09-Jul-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Jul-17
Main blades sliced tail boom and skids splayed out on heavy landing in gusty conditions. 2 POB injured
09-Jun-17
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
04-Jun-17
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 »
03-Jun-17
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 »
02-Jun-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 01-Jun-17
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.
28-May-17
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 »
Source: RAMM Aerospace, 23-May-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 22-May-17
Fell onto starboard side in training accident.
20-May-17
Close to company base, helicopter landed upright, but with main blades slicing the tail boom off close to the tail rotor
20-May-17
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.
19-May-17
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.
17-May-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 16-May-17
Struck powerline during agricultural work and force landed in the field below
10-May-17
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 »
05-May-17
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
04-May-17
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
03-May-17
FAA report no injuries in force landing, damage to helicopter “unknown”
03-May-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 18-Apr-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 05-Apr-17
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 »
Source: Rolls-Royce, 13-Mar-17
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 »
Source: Garmin, 08-Mar-17
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 »
Source: Donaldson, 03-Mar-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 02-Mar-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 28-Feb-17
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 »
Source: Nordic Rotors, 13-Feb-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 30-Jan-17
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
Source: HeliHub.com, 27-Jan-17
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 »
Source: Robinson, 26-Jan-17
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 »
Source: Robinson Helicopter Company, 20-Jan-17
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 »
Source: Robinson, 11-Jan-17
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 20-Dec-16
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 »
Source: DOC, 04-Nov-16
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 »
Source: TAIC, 28-Oct-16
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 21-Oct-16
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 »
Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Oct-16
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 »
Source: True Blue Power, 14-Oct-16
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 »
Source: HAI, 10-Oct-16
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 »
Source: Tier 1 Engineering, 04-Oct-16
