On August 13th-16th Robinson Helicopter Company will host the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team’s (USHST) annual meeting at its Torrance, California factory. The meeting follows the USHST’s recent call to action to the helicopter community to address rising accident rates. The safety conference kicks off with a Steering Committee meeting on Tuesday, followed by two days… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 31-Jul-19
On 12 July 2019 Robinson Helicopter Company expanded its FAA/EASA approved Repair Station by opening a stand-alone 37,000 square foot facility dedicated to repairs and overhauls. Completed in approximately 18 months, the facility was designed to streamline the repair, inspection, and overhaul process. As the size of the Robinson fleet (12,000+) grows, the demand for… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 23-Jul-19
On July 1st, television station WJZ of Baltimore, Maryland took delivery of a new Robinson R66 Newscopter. Owned and operated by CBS, WJZ services the 2.8 million residents in the Baltimore metropolitan area. SKY Helicopters, a longtime Robinson dealer in Garland, Texas, leased the helicopter to WJZ and will provide on-going aviation and technical support…. Read more »
Source: Robinson, 15-Jul-19
The upcoming Heli UK Expo event at Wycombe Air Park on 13-15 June will feature four manufacturers. Airbus Helicopters UK will be bringing an H130, Bell’s representatives HelixAv have two 505s and a 407 and HeliGroup will show a G2 Cabri from French manufacturer Guimbal. Robinson have three distributors based in the UK, and all… Read more »
06-Jun-19
An updated flight training guide is now available from Robinson Helicopter Company, whose helicopters have become synonymous with flight training. The comprehensive guide addresses the many levels of training, from the student pilot trying to find the “hover button”, to the rated helicopter pilot transitioning into a Robinson, to the all-important flight review. The guide… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 15-May-19
On May 8th, Robinson Helicopter Company delivered two R44 Cadets to the University of North Dakota (UND). The bright green and yellow helicopters are the latest additions to the University’s growing fleet of Cadets. As with the two previously acquired Cadets, purchased in 2017 and 2018, the new Cadets will be used for training at… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 14-May-19
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Region IV Administrator Ashley D. Bell today named Rotorcorp LLC as the 2019 SBA Exporter of the Year for the State of Georgia and the larger eight-state Southeast Region. “We are honored to highlight regional small business champions who are making significant changes by driving our economy and creating… Read more »
Source: Rotorcorp, 03-May-19
AHMEC presents its Annual Achievement Award for innovation in rotary wing flight at its annual Gala fundraiser on Saturday, April 27, from 5 until 10 p.m. This year’s recipients are Dr. Martine Rothblatt, Chairman and CEO of United Therapeutics, and Tier 1 Engineering for their Electric Powered Robinson R44 helicopter. Piloted by Captain Ric Webb… Read more »
Source: American Helicopter Museum, 23-Apr-19
HQ Aviation, the very successful British helicopter training school and maintenance centre has expanded its list of approvals through its appointment as a Rolls-Royce RR300 Authorized Service Center. Engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce today at Heli-Expo 2019 officially confirmed HQ Aviation has joined the RR300 Service Center network, which offers global, approved maintenance support to RR300 powered Robinson R66… Read more »
Source: HQ Aviation, 08-Apr-19
As Europe’s longest-established dealer for the Robinson Helicopter Company, Sloane Helicopters will soon be taking delivery of its 500th new Robinson helicopter – R44 Raven II S/N 14297. This significant milestone highlights the successful partnership between Sloane and Robinson, reflecting Sloane’s dedication and expertise in supporting the full range of Robinson helicopters. Kurt Robinson commented,… Read more »
Source: Sloane Helicopters, 05-Mar-19
Robinson’s R22 officially turns 40-years-old on March 16th. In celebration, at this year’s Heli Expo convention in Atlanta, Robinson will display a new R22 (S/N 4797, N40YR) painted in the same scheme and colors as the very first R22 (S/N 0001). While the exterior will pay tribute to the R22’s origins, the interior will showcase… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 27-Feb-19
Helicopter struck and broke power cable, but landed OK in a very tight location
26-Feb-19
Precautionary landing in water retention basin. No injuries to 2 POB. No damage to aircraft
20-Feb-19
Training accident, rollover onto starboard side. Heavily damaged – see images
19-Feb-19
Impacted terrain in mountainous region. 2 fatal
17-Feb-19
Helicopter on a scenic flight crash landed in a residential street, killing a pedestrian. The three on board the helicopter were not seriously injured
01-Jan-19
Remained upright in very heavy emergency landing on golf course after tail rotor birdstrike reported. Tail hit ground, skids collapsed. Training flight from nearby Hayward Executive airport – instructor and student not seriously injured
28-Dec-18
Robinson added Avidyne’s IFD 400 series touchscreen GPS navigators to its R22, R44 and R66 avionics options. The 400 series may be operated by either touchscreen or buttons and knobs which allows the IFD to be installed in the helicopter’s lower center console or in the pilot side console. Wi-Fi, for interfacing with an iPad,… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 20-Dec-18
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
The helicopter collided with terrain about 130km ENE of Alice Springs Airport. A passenger and pilot were on board. The passenger sustained serious injuries and the pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was destroyed.
24-Nov-18
As the helicopter lifted, it began to rotate to the right which the instructor attempted to counter with the application of left pedal and by lowering the collective. The helicopter then rolled to the left and the front of the left skid contacted the ground before breaking off. The helicopter continued to roll further to… Read more »
02-Nov-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
