
This is when load on the rotor assembly is reduced during flight, resulting in flapping of the rotor blades. It wasn’t until February of 2012 that they released Service Bulletin SB78, requiring the installation of improved fuel tanks for safety.Īnother problem that Robinson Helicopter was involved in dealt with mast bumping. The main problem with these fuel tanks is that in July of 2006, Robinson Helicopter Company released Safety Notice 40, which encouraged pilots and occupants to wear fireproof helmets, gloves, and suits. Ladd Sanger, the Slack Davis Sanger aviation attorney was interviewed during this investigation.Īs a result of the investigation, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority grounded all R44 helicopters that didn’t have improved and upgraded fuel tanks as of the first of May 2013. There was a two-year investigation performed by 60 Minutes (Australia) where they uncovered that 78 people died in the past decade due to crashes from these helicopters. They have recently released an autopilot for helicopters, as well as glass avionics. They continue to offer new technology and to make improvements on their past helicopters. Robinson Helicopter is known for their commitment to R&D. Recently, Robinson Helicopter released the R44 Cadet, this is a two-place R44 that has been specifically designed for training. They are currently both offered with many different configuration options, including police, float, and even news versions. The top sellers of Robinson Helicopter are the R44 and R66 models. This R66 Turbine was finally certified in 2010 to the updated federal regulation amendments. Now that Robinson Helicopter had a great engine in place to use, they were able to develop their five-place turbine helicopter. This engine was designed in conjunction with Robinson and allowed the helicopter to perform better in hot temperatures and at high altitudes.īy 2003, the R44 sales had easily doubled the R22 sales. Ten years later they introduced the R44 Raven II, which had an advanced engine, as well as an improved 28-volt electrical system. The R44 was then released in 1992, featuring a more powerful engine, but the same great design philosophy as the R22. The R22 was introduced in 1979, and thanks to its low cost and easy maintenance, it quickly became a favorite at flight schools and with private owners. Frank Robinson was a former employee of both Hughes Helicopters and Bell Helicopter.

Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopter has since produced more than 12,000 aircraft.
