27-Jan-2012Source: Daily Breeze
“All I can say is justice was done,” said Los Angeles-based lawyer Kevin Boyle, who represented the widow and family of Leo Straatman, a passenger in the R44 that went down in May 2006 near Desert Center, Calif. (see full story)... Read more
25-Jan-2012Source: Flight Management Systems
FMS is excited to share that the FMS Moving Map has been chosen by Robinson Helicopter Company for their Law Enforcement Demonstrator, R-66 helicopter Robinson wanted to go with a “Tried and True” system for the R-66 Police version that will be unveiled at Heli-Expo next month FMS President, Greg Taylor commented: “We are extremely... Read more
23-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Thai operator Heliluck has recently sent staff on flights to California and back, solely to pick up an auxiliary fuel pump for a R44 Newscopter which was grounded. Robinson took the part off an aircraft on the production line. Round trip was reported as 37 hours, according to Robinson Safety Course trainer Richard Mornington-Sanford on... Read more
23-Jan-2012
The pilot of the Robinson R44 took avoiding action when the Piper PA-28 passed in close proximity. No radio broadcasts were heard from the PA-28 and the pilot did not respond to radio calls.... Read more
21-Jan-2012
Loose cargo bag flew into rotors... Read more
20-Jan-2012Source: Guidance Aviation
On Friday, January 20, 2012, at 4:00pm local time, Guidance Aviation will be presenting to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) the newly painted Robinson R44 helicopter which Guidance Aviation donated to the YCSO in October, 2010. Â This event is a part of the Guidance Aviation BBQ taking place at 6418 MacCurdy Drive, Prescott, AZ.... Read more
19-Jan-2012
R44 took off from edge of car park and did not gain height, ditched into shallow water at edge of lake shortly after. 4POB exited without further problems... Read more
19-Jan-2012
Crashed in marshy area, killing both POB.  pilot named as Jason McKean, 40, and passenger Lanny Ledet, 43.... Read more
16-Jan-2012
Attempting to land on the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel`s designated helicopter pad. Cam down approx 100m short of the pad. Fire was put out – foam evident in the Photo here 2POB were a male aged 30 and female aged 32.... Read more
16-Jan-2012
Pilot reported smoke in the cabin and brought the craft down as a precaution on the junction of Pacific Coast Highway and Magnolia at 9.40am local. 1POB, not injured.... Read more
15-Jan-2012
Crashed after hitting cables on approach to airfield, killing Filippo Sini, 39, and Vittorio Mestichelli, 57. [Warning – some photos in the Italian press show at least one of the bodies without it being covered up]... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Robinson
Robinson Helicopter Company continues to be the world’s leading producer of civil helicopters. In 2011, the company produced 356 helicopters (212 R44s, 88 R66s and 56 R22s), more than double 2010’s production of 162. While the R44 remains Robinson’s top selling helicopter, the response to its latest model, the R66 Turbine, has been very strong.... Read more
11-Jan-2012
Reindeer herd owner and his Swedish pilot were herding the animals assisted by people on scooters when the accident happened. Heavy snow was reported in the area at the time. “The weather was bad and visibility was minimal,†Geir Mortensen, press spokesperson for the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Northern Norway, tells NRK.... Read more
10-Jan-2012
Accident on first solo. R22 ended up on its port side... Read more
8-Jan-2012Source: Pacific Flyer
Southern California Helicopters Director of Operations Paul Pigneri has announced the roll-out of their new “Professional Helicopter Pilot Program.” (see full story)... Read more
6-Jan-2012
While on planned route Manston to Fenland, crashed in open field. Helicopter ended upside down with roof of cabin and rotorhead apparently taking the bulk of the impact – tail boom mainly undamaged. Port skid had been ripped off, and tail was separated but only a few metres away from the boom. Registration confirmed in... Read more
6-Jan-2012
helicopter made a hard landing and ended up on its side... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: Jerry Trimble Helicopters
Jerry Trimble Helicopters (JTH) is proud to announce that Jessica Ward has received the Robinson Safety Course Scholarship offered by the Whirly-Girls. The Robinson Safety Course is a 3-day course conducted by the factory in Torrance, CA and includes both flight and ground training. Jessica began training at JTH in the summer of 2010 and... Read more
3-Jan-2012
Main blade struck tree. CADAORS 2012P0016... Read more
3-Jan-2012
After takeoff, the helicopter lost power and the pilot made a forced landing. The helicopter rolled onto its side and was destroyed in a post-impact fire. The pilot sustained minor injuries.... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: US Air Force
Solicitation Number:FA9302-12-R-0014 Notice Type:Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Synopsis: Added:Â Dec 23, 2011 1:33 pm The solicitation number is FA9302-12-R-0014. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared IAW the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation for this requirement. This is a request for quotations... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Mountain Ridge Helicopters
Mountain Ridge Helicopters is pleased to announce that the VA has approved it’s Flight Instructor Course which after completion the pilot will be able to perform one of the most vital and influential roles in aviation, instructing others how to fly helicopters. Now, students enrolling in the Flight Instructor Course at Mountain Ridge can receive financial benefits under either Chapter 30... Read more
30-Dec-2011
Helicopter clipped powerlines while flying at low level over a crowd of around 2,000 at a Christmas event. The 4POB suffered slight injuries and it is miraculous that no-one on the ground was killed. Check the YouTube videos here and here.... Read more
30-Dec-2011
Tourist flight. Tail boom cut by main rotors, helicopter ended up on port side. Ground covered in snow – potential for vertical reference issues.... Read more
23-Dec-2011
Training accident from low level, helicopter ended up on its starboard side. Instructor and pupil light injuries only and walked away.... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: Guelph Mercury
Emergency dispatchers were so confused by a fatal helicopter crash at the Region of Waterloo International Airport last month that they tried to send the wrong firefighters from 23 kilometres away. (see full story) This refers to the following accident – 28-Nov-11 C-GVAR Robinson R22 Waterloo, Canada (1F)... Read more
17-Dec-2011
Two male occupants were treated for superficial wounds and bruises... Read more
14-Dec-2011
Early reports of private helicopter down on Raytheon property nr Tucson Airport. Pilot airlifted to UMC Trauma Center, no info on the other person on board. FAA spokesman said pilot reported engine failure prior to landing.... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co have started production of the 100th R66 – the company distributed a photo via Twitter at 3.21pm Pacific time on Saturday afternoon. See original posting here. As pointed out here by Rotorcorp, the Robinson parts people, what Robinson Helicopter Co lack in volume of tweets, they certainly make up for in quality!... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: NTSB
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On November 24, 2011, approximately 1900 central standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N821JV, sustained substantial damage when... Read more
9-Dec-2011
Impacted terrain. The commercial-rated pilot was fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed... Read more
7-Dec-2011Source: KSU
Helicopter flight training at Kansas State University is getting a boost through a partnership with Universal Helicopters. “The partnership initially will bring in three helicopters and four full-time flight instructors, which allows us to better meet the flight-training demands of our students,” said Kurt Barnhart, head of K-State’s aviation department. The incoming fleet consists of... Read more
7-Dec-2011
Substantial damage in field landing while practicing autorotations... Read more
6-Dec-2011Source: Heli Air
Heli Air, the UK’s leading helicopter company is very pleased to confirm its new base at Thruxton Aerodrome. Shaun Byam heads-up the newly refurbished Heli Air facility, soon to be fully equipped with R22 and R44 helicopters for pilot training. Heli Air Thruxton at Hangar 2 within the aerodrome has full access to the huge... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: Big Bend Community College
A partnership between Big Bend Community College and Inland Helicopters of Spokane will provide opportunities for students to become helicopter pilots while earning an associates degree. The new helicopter pilot training program begins in January of 2012. “This is another example of the type of public/private partnerships we must establish to create new programs in... Read more
29-Nov-2011Source: The Journal
Claire Jobling, an accountant by trade who worked for the Co-operative before spending five years at globally-successful Eutechnyx, has acquired Newcastle Airport-based Northumbria Helicopters for an undisclosed sum. (see full story)... Read more
29-Nov-2011
Crashed while giving an 80-year-old her birthday present flight. Ended up on its starboard side with the tail boom apparently separated midway down its length.... Read more
28-Nov-2011
Appeared to lose power approximately one mile south of the airport. The helicopter was observed in a rapid descent into a wooded area south of the airport. 1 fatal, 1 injured. Fatality later named as instructor Tiffany Hanna, 29. CADAORS 2011O3540... Read more
27-Nov-2011
During an approach to land, the low RPM light and warning horn activated and the helicopter made a hard landing.... Read more
25-Nov-2011
Rolled over in run-on landing.... Read more
24-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
With European EASA and Canadian TC certification of the R66 causing issues for customers in those countries, Australia is forging ahead with deliveries and there are now nine R66s registered there with CASA. The last six of these demonstrate a bit of trend – serial numbers 48, 54, 60, 66, 72 and 78 form an... Read more
24-Nov-2011
went down into Ten Mile Lake, near Hackensack, MN killing pilot John Zacher, whose body was found the next day. His wife Vicki Zacher was the only passenger and survived.... Read more
23-Nov-2011
Helicopter ended up on its port side with the tail boom sliced. 23-Nov-11 is assumed date – the first reference we can find is in the evening of that date.... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: Heliflite
This month Heliflite was pleased to deliver a new R66 Turbine helicopter to The Salvation Army for its dedicated Outback Flying Service which is based in Mt Isa, Queensland. The new R66 Turbine will be primarily operated to support remote outback communities and stations in central and north Queensland which covers an extraordinary 800,000 square... Read more
21-Nov-2011Source: Robinson
DATE: 27 October 2011 TO: R66 owners, operators, and maintenance personnel SUBJECT: Placards and Markings ROTORCRAFT AFFECTED: R66 helicopters S/N 0004 thru 0051, 0053 thru 0058, 0060, 0064 thru 0066, and 0071. TIME OF COMPLIANCE: Within next 150 flight hours or by 31 January 2012, whichever occurs first. BACKGROUND: Some placards and markings were revised... Read more
21-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Californian city of Fontana is putting a budget request in this week for two police-role helicopters, a low-time Robinson R44 with just 140 airframe hours, and a new R66. Police Chief Rodney Jones is preparting to ask city council’s approval on Tuesday to use $500,000 in asset seizure funds to purchase the near-new R44... Read more
18-Nov-2011Source: NTSB
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On November 5, 2011, about 1620 eastern standard time, a Robinson R22 BETA, N413RM, operated by Ocean Helicopters Inc.,... Read more
18-Nov-2011
Sole occupant pilot Yevgeniy Kurbatov killed. High energy impact with terrain, helicopter broken in many parts, but no sign of post crash fire. Reported as low time pilot with only 20 hours experience, and flying at night. Helicopter was found on 26th November by a volunteer search team Liza Alert the day after the state... Read more
13-Nov-2011Source: Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation of Prescott, AZ., a recognized a leader in High-Altitude Helicopter flight training, has announced the introduction of a new Turbine Transition training course. This program utilizes the new Robinson R-66 Rolls Royce powered turbine helicopter. According to Guidance CEO, John Stonecipher, “The Robinson R-66 is our first choice in a turbine platform. It... Read more
12-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co held a ceremony on Thursday 10th November for local press and dignitaries to celebrate the production of the 10,000th helicopter at their Torrance factory. A press release is reportedly forthcoming. Until then, these are the pertinent points gleaned from local press reports Employment is increasing, with 200 new jobs in 2011 taking... Read more
12-Nov-2011Source: Southland Times
Lloyd Matheson, from Southern Lakes Helicopters, said the new Robinson R66 helicopter the company had on lease was more efficient and bigger than its existing Robinson R44. A decision on whether to buy an R66 model was likely to be made after that, Mr Matheson said. (see full story)... Read more
7-Nov-2011
During mustering operations, the main rotor blade struck the ground resulting in the helicopter coming to rest on its side.... Read more
5-Nov-2011
Helicopter was on a low-level aerial tour when it lost height over a residential area... Read more
28-Oct-2011Source: RotorCorp
The Robinson R66 helicopter is not complete without a set of Pop-out floats;  that is my opinion. The best flying is beyond gliding distance from shore, and 70% of the earth is covered in water. When I first got into the helicopter industry over twelve years ago a mentor told me that helicopters find work... Read more
27-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Best Ocean Airpark has ordered two new Robinson R44 helicopters and is expecting to take delivery of them in November. Best Ocean Airpark is a US-style residential complex based around a private 860 meter runway, but also provide a flying club as part of the facilities. The airstrip opened in August 2009. All houses back... Read more
25-Oct-2011Source: Kapiti Observer
Commissioner Stephen Chiles granted consent for Heliworx to run scenic tourist and charter flights using Robinson R44 helicopters on the pad adjacent the shopping area. Under the consent conditions, flights will run between 9am and 6pm from December to March, and 9.30am and 4pm during the rest of the year. (see full story) – see... Read more
25-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
UK Robinson distributor Heliair is on the point of delivering its third Robinson R66, bringing the UK fleet to five. Serial 0058 and registered N404RW, this helicopter replaces an R44 for a private owner who already operates on an FAA licence and will not be chasing the EASA certification many other potential buyers are waiting... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In 2009 EASA published their proposed operation and equipment rules, and many pilots submitted responses.  EASA have listened to those comments and to the recommendations of the NCO Review Group , and have now published their proposed rules.   The resulting text (after the changes) of the revised ops rules for non commercial light aircraft and... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: Middletown Patch
As talk mounts for the repeal of the state’s new tourism tax, it’s a no brainer that helicopter pilot and business owner Jeff Codman is right on board – in a recent interview he said that 90% of his business is tours. (see full story)... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: Elite Helicopters
We are delighted to announce the arrival of the latest addition to our fleet of training aircraft at Goodwood. G-DOGI is a Robinson R22 Beta and now has joined us to support our Private and Commercial Pilot’s Licence training programmes. The aircraft will be permanently based at Goodwood, and has been bought in to satisfy... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: NTSB
On October 1, 2011, about 1255 mountain daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter, R66, N266CY, was substantially damaged during an in-flight breakup while in cruise flight near Philip, South Dakota. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by P P & J LLC., of Gillette, Wyoming. Visual... Read more
20-Oct-2011
R44 owner Jon Gonsoulin, president of LeBeouf Bros., got the OK Monday at Terrebonne’s Board of Adjustment meeting. The decision allows Gonsoulin to put a helipad on his 18-acre residential property in Mulberry Estates, a subdivision along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. (See full story)... Read more
17-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
We know that both UK Robinson dealers – Sloane Helicopters and Heliair – are currently very frustrated by the slow progress on EASA certification of the R66. We suspect that the same is being felt right across Europe. We thus approached the manufacturer for a statement and they advised “We are working with EASA to... Read more
15-Oct-2011
4POB at a flying club event. Journalists on board filmed the descent as it apparently descended tail first and tail-low to the ground. Rolled over onto port side. Badly damaged. All persons survived, some with injuries.... Read more
14-Oct-2011
During take-off phase, pilot Andres Navarro Haeussler made sudden and very heavy landing on taxiway, causing damage to the aircraft. Pilot and passenger unhurt. Skids splayed out, tail ended up touching the ground... Read more
11-Oct-2011
Heavy forced landing and ended up no its starboard side. Had just taken off from Campo de Marte Airport bound for Guarulhos... Read more
8-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The United Kingdom now has an R66 fleet of four. This follows HeliAir’s delivery of serial 0041 as N66MV to a private owner in Cheshire just prior to Helitech last week. The helicopter was present at Duxford on the second day of the event. Between the two UK distributors – the other one being Sloane... Read more
4-Oct-2011
landing accident, substantially damaged... Read more
3-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A second fatal accident has been reported to a Robinson R66. User “kylesampson” posted the following message on an online forum – “I’m not a pilot I just wanted to get this out there. My wifes uncle just died in a R66 in South Dakota. Anyone who has one better wait and see what happens... Read more
3-Oct-2011Source: HAI
The World Record Helicopter Team, based in Murrieta Calif., set a new world speed record from San Diego Calif. to Savannah/Hilton Head Ga. and back, on Sept. 17, 2011. Flying a Robinson R44 Raven II, the four-man team departed from Brown Field when the race clock started at 7:28 a.m. Despite some extreme weather conditions... Read more
2-Oct-2011
A tuna boat based helicopter crashed into the sea, with only one of the two crew members recovered. 34-year-old pilot Mexican pilot, Eduardo Lavalle lost his life.... Read more
2-Oct-2011
The R44 piloted by businessman Michael Mannion crash-landed five miles outside of Athlone at around 8pm on Sunday evening (thus night flying at this time of year)... Read more
1-Oct-2011
Haakon County Sheriff Mel Smith told local radio station that the helicopter crashed in a pasture a mile south of Philip. Sole occupant 64-year-old pilot James Hladky was pronounced dead at the scene.... Read more
29-Sep-2011
During aerial mustering, the helicopter’s tail rotor collided with a tree and the helicopter landed heavily. The helicopter sustained serious damage.... Read more