Following FAA type certification for the Robinson R66 in October 2010, it was initially thought that EASA certification would follow in the May/June 2011 timeframe.  With the end of May upon us, HeliHub.com has been speaking with Robinson Helicopter Co and others to get the latest update.  As a result, we are able to report that RHC expect EASA certification of the R66 in September 2011.  Company President Kurt Robinson has told HeliHub.com that EASA representatives are due at their factory at Torrance, California in late August.  If all goes well, he expects certification in the following month.

Both UK dealers, Sloane Helicopters and Heliair, have demonstrators currently flying on N registrations, and expect to continue to their success with the Robinson brand that has served them both well with the R22 and R44 in the past.  As an indicator of current UK demand, Heliair told HeliHub.com that they have paid deposits from 15 customers to date.  Further demonstrators are expected in Belgium and Switzerland in the next few months, and we are sure that Germany and Italy are not far behind, based on their current R44 fleets.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com