12-Jul-2011
Crashed shortly after take-off. One report suggests tail rotor struck a tree, but nephew of pilot says it lost the tail at 400ft. Fatalities named as Ricardo Cabrera (pilot/trainer) and Juan Pablo Gaviria (owner/student)... Read more
6-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com has heard that the following represent the current lead time for a new aircraft ex-factory at Torrance from receipt of deposit. R22 – November 2011 (4 months) Raven I – November 2011 (4 months) Raven II – January 2012 (6 months) R66 – October 2012 (15 months) Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
6-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The first Robinson R66 Turbine has arrived in France with dealer Rectimo Aviation at Chambery. In the same way as the initial deliveries with British dealers Sloane Helicopters and Heliair, Rectimo are operating their R66 on the FAA register as EASA certification is not currently expected before Septber 2011. Rectimo has taken delivery of serial... Read more
4-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On Friday 1st July, Kurt Robinson, president of Robinson Helicopter Co, issued a statement to the global dealer network regarding delays in deliveries of their newest model – the R66 Turbine. Over the past several months, production of the R66 has fallen behind forecast due to a shortage of fuel bladders. Robinson has been working... Read more
17-Jun-2011Source: AeroExpo
Sloane Helicopters, the Sywell based distributor of AgustaWestland and Robinson Helicopters in the UK and Ireland exhibits at AeroExpo 2011, Sywell, 17th to the 19th June 2011. Sloane will showcase the entire Robinson product range and expects the Robinson R66 to attract the interest of the many predicted visitors. The static display will include an R22, an R44... Read more
27-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
13-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Agencias Universales has recently registered R66 serial 0022 as CC-AEE. This marks the first R66 in South America, and HeliHub.com is surprised that this event has occurred in Chile rather than Brazil or Argentina, traditionally much bigger markets for the California-based manufacturer than Chile. There are two R66 dealers in Chile – Agrotores Trabajos Aereos... Read more
12-May-2011Source: Mornington Sanford Aviation
Mornington Sanford Aviation (Training) Ltd has gained EASA Part 147 (Part 66) Type Training Approval for the Robinson R66 with RR300 engine. This now completes EASA type training for the Robinson product – R22, R44 with the Lycoming engine, R66 with RR300 engine. Mornington Sanford is the only EASA approved training organisation exclusively training Robinson... Read more
11-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The new turbine Robinson R66 will appear in Russia, with two dealers claiming victory in who wins the race. On 5th April, Aviamarket took their first R66 in a ceremony at the factory at Torrance in California. President of the manufacturer Kurt Robinson assesses the Russian market as very promising for private aviation and continually... Read more
10-May-2011Source: Valair
Valair have announced that Robinson’s Tim Tucker will be running the first Robinson Safety Course to be held in Switzerland. Scheduled for July 1-3, Robinson’s Chief Instructor will be conducting the course in English for up to 36 students. A minimum of 25 will ensure the course goes ahead. The course is priced at 790... Read more
5-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss Robinson distributor Valair Helicopter Services has launched a dedicated website for the R66 at http://www.r66-helicopter.ch to support their sales efforts in country.  Valair have been the official Robinson dealer for Switzerland for over 10 years, and are (as you would expect from this article!) also the R66 dealer. In January they reported having two... Read more
19-Apr-2011Source: LA Helicopters
In December 2010, LAH was awarded one of only eleven Rolls-Royce RR300 Service Centers worldwide. After completing a thorough application process which included a background check, site visit, and interview with the Rolls-Royce Regional Manager and a local Rolls-Royce representative, LAH was awarded the first repair station in the United States. Mark Thompson, Rolls-Royce Helicopter... Read more
1-Apr-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Bell is expected to officially announce in the next two weeks that it will reopen the JetRanger production line at Mirabel, Canada, a year after the last airframe (serial 4690) was produced for a customer in British Columbia. This move is believed to be related to the unexpectedly positive response Robinson Helicopter Co have had... Read more
31-Mar-2011Source: Jara Aviation
The HELIMOVER MAX is a natural development of the existing HELIMOVER for Robinson R22, R44 and R66 helicopters. It offers the same robustness, build quality, design features and operation as the original Helimover, but will move at up to double the speed – approx 7 kph which is a fast walking pace. This increased speed,... Read more
29-Mar-2011Source: Sloane Helicopters
Sloane Helicopters, one of the oldest distributors of Robinson helicopters in the world, has successfully completed a first round of promotional events to launch the Robinson R66 Turbine in the UK and Ireland. More than one hundred people have so far had the opportunity to see and test fly the aircraft, which bears registration N66UK. With the passionate... Read more
28-Mar-2011Source: LA Times
Robinson Helicopter, known for its low-cost choppers, was nearly grounded by the recession but is poised to soar again with a new CEO, an expanded factory and a new model that’s generating buzz see full story... Read more
19-Mar-2011Source: Robinson Helicopter Shop
At HeliExpo in Orlando Fl., Robinson Helicopter Shop released two new products made specifically for the R44 and R22 Helicopters. Designed by an R44 owner to specifically address issues experienced by all owners of the ships, the Bit Bag and Floor Mats are good news for pilots. BITBAG The Bit Bag solves the in-flight storage... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: HeliDolli.com
Helidolli.com released several new products at the HAI show in Orlando. The Robidolli is a small dolly designed specifically for the R66, R44 and R22 helicopters. Simple at last! No straps to the skids, no fancy electric motor or hydraulic lift. Just lock to the RHC supplied tow ball on the belly of the Robi... Read more
14-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The second Robinson R66 is flying in Europe, serial 0017, arrived last week with Sloane Helicopters and is now flying after the usual uncrating and airtesting. It is appropriately registered N66UK and is painted dark blue in common with their corporate colours and their past landmark aircraft – both the 1000th R22 as G-OSHL and... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Robinson
Torrance, CA— Robinson Helicopter Company is now delivering the R66 with optional air conditioning. The simple, lightweight system provides air conditioned comfort and reduced humidity throughout the five-seat cabin. An overhead console provides vents for each seat with 250 CFM total airflow. The 42 lb air conditioner uses the latest automotive refrigerant and has 17,000... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, today officially announced the establishment of a new RR300 Service Center network, which offers global, approved maintenance support to RR300 powered Robinson R66 operators worldwide. The Service Centers provide maintenance, inspections and parts sales directly to operators. The RR300 Service Center network consists of eleven industry-leading support facilities which... Read more
27-Feb-2011
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor is pleased to announce that the region’s first R66 Turbine helicopter has received formal CASA certification for first of type. The base yellow with slate grey trim coloured R66 Turbine helicopter is now ready to make its inaugural trip to Avalon Airport to be part of Heliflite’s Australian... Read more
19-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Heliair today held a launch party for the first R66 in Europe, although the weather was certainly not favourable and the small number of demo flights were kept within the airfield boundary due to the cloudbase. Flights were also limited to those people who had already placed orders for the RR300 turbine-powered five seater from... Read more
14-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
UK Robinson dealer Heliair has taken delivery of its first R66. Still on the FAA register as N66NN pending EASA certification, serial number 0016 was noted ground running today at the company’s base at Wycombe Air Park. Britain’s second R66 for Sloane Helicopters is due very soon. HeliHub.com will report further on this aircraft soon... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: Daily Breeze
The committee, made up of residents, aviation experts and government officials, recommended modifying three established helicopter routes in and out of the airport. The idea was to move the routes farther away from residential areas as well as increase the helicopter flying altitudes to reduce noise. Torrance is the base of Robinson Helicopter Co... Read more
13-Jan-2011Source: Heliflite
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor has released the first official photos of the region’s first R66 Turbine helicopter taken in final completion at the Robinson factory. The base yellow with slate grey trim coloured R66 Turbine helicopter is ready for shipping to Australia and Heliflite looks forward to having it available as a... Read more
7-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In line with the global recession, Robinson Helicopter Co produced a very modest 162 helicopters last year, just 18% of their peak figure of 893 just two years earlier. The total was made up of 40 x R22 Beta II 32 x R44 Raven/Clipper I 80 x R44 Raven/Clipper II 10 x R66 Turbine When... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
British helicopter company Heliair have launched a website specifically for Robinson R66 sales at R66Dealer.com – this may, in time, be merged into their main website, but it is currently intentionally stand-alone.Head of Marketing Brian Kane told HeliHub.com that Heli Air see the R66 as being “the best single engine turbine ever produced”, presumably based... Read more
4-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co have launched a new website at http://www.robinsonheli.com.  Although no major content changes have been made, the new cleaner design is certainly easier to navigate than its predecessor. Some new aspects of the site – particularly the World Dealer Locator Map – show that elements of new technology have been introduced. Scratching... Read more
2-Dec-2010Source: Helibiz
Helibiz’s first new R66 is scheduled to arrive in early February, Helibiz senior base engineer and grade 1 instructor Peter Thompson was the 1st in Australia to be endorsed on the R66. Peter spent a few days at the Robinson factory flying the R66 all around Los Angeles. “I was amazed at the power, speed... Read more
29-Nov-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co has recently told HeliHub.com that their current production rates are – 1 R22 per week – 3 R44 per week – 3 R66 per week from January And working from the latest known MSNs for each line – R22 -> 4489 – R44 Raven I -> 2100 – R44 Raven II ->... Read more
11-Nov-2010Source: Heliair
Heli Air, established over 25 years ago is the largest Robinson Helicopter Distributor in the UK and one of the world’s most successful, and eagerly awaits the imminent arrival of the superb new 5-seat R66 Turbine helicopter. Heli Air, who will have the first R66 in the UK and Europe has confirmed orders from confident... Read more
8-Nov-2010Source: Mornington Sandford Aviation
by Richard Mornington-Sanford Not so long ago, if I had asked Frank Robinson whether there would be a turbine-engine powered Robinson helicopter, Frank would have said: “You know, Dick, that turbine engine is just too damned expensive.†The phrase ‘never say never’ comes to mind as I start a pre-flight inspection with Doug Tompkins, Robinson... Read more
29-Oct-2010Source: Sloane Helicopters
Sloane Helicopters, the longest established international Robinson dealer in the world, is pleased to confirm increasing interest in the new Robinson R66 turbine helicopter. The R66 received FAA certification on 25th October 2010 and EASA certification is expected early in 2011. Sloane was one of the first dealers worldwide to purchase its own R66 and... Read more
28-Oct-2010Source: Robinson
[HeliHub.com editor note – purely for completeness we file this story – bear in mind it was HeliHub.com who had the scoop and announced the certification date of 25th October way back on 29th September (see article here)] Torrance, CA— On October 25, 2010, three years and eight months after Robinson Helicopter publicly announced plans... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, congratulates Robinson Helicopter Company on achieving certification of the new R66. The helicopter was FAA certified October 25 during a ceremony held at the Robinson facility in Torrance, CA. The R66 is powered by a single Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine and is the first turbine powered model in Robinson’s... Read more
15-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
In the final episode of our series from interviewing Frank Robinson last Friday, we are today covering various anecotes from our time with him. The most surprising point was that he prefers the R44 to the R66. Ask any marketing specialist and you are most likely to find them promoting their latest and greatest product... Read more
14-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Company “RHC” has no doubt been the number one success story of the light helicopter market in the last three decades, but it is this sector that demonstrates the greatest volatility when the going gets tough. In our interview with Frank last Friday, he described how the company went from the high of... Read more
12-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
As part of our interview with Frank Robinson last Friday, we discussed the future – principally the upcoming R66 model which is due for FAA certification in two weeks time on 25th October and the EASA approval 6-8 months after that. As the total number of helicopters delivered from the RHC factory at Torrance closes... Read more
11-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Frank Robinson has just completed a week’s tour of the UK accompanied by his daughter Terry hane, covering three principal events. Starting last Tuesday 5th, he made a very well-received presentation at the Royal Aeronautical Society – their annual “Cierva Lecture” – to an audience of over 150. The venue was very much “standing room... Read more
29-Sep-2010Source: HeliHub.com
FAA certification for the turbine powered Robinson R66 is expected on Monday 25th October, and all dealers have been invited to the factory at Torrance for a celebratory party. The R66 is powered by the new Rolls Royce RR 300, rated by the manufacturer at 240-300 shp, and weighing in at 176lb (a fraction under... Read more
1-Sep-2010Source: Sloane Helicopters
Sloane Helicopters Ltd., the UK and Ireland distributors for the Robinson Helicopter Company, is pleased to be able to announce some preliminary performance information for the new Robinson R66 Turbine helicopter. The Robinson R66 is in the final stages of FAA certification and, as part of the certification programme, some pilots from Robinson operators around... Read more
3-Aug-2010Source: Big Bear Grizzly
A flight crew from Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, Calif., is testing the company’s newest helicopter at Big Bear City Airport. Full story on external site here... Read more
4-May-2010Source: http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/robinson-r66-dealers-must-be-part-145-okd-24649/
Robinson VP Kurt Robinson said he does not expect all dealers of the company’s existing piston-engine R22 and R44 helicopters to become R66 dealers, in part due to a new Robinson-mandated requirement that R66 dealers hold a valid FAA Part 145 repair station certificate.... Read more
10-Feb-2010Source: Sloane Helicopters
Following the recent announcement by Robinson Helicopter Company – see HeliHub 8th February 2010 – that they were accepting orders for the new turbine powered Robinson R66, David George, Chairman of Sloane Helicopters Ltd. has confirmed that Sloane have placed their first order for a new Robinson R66 Sloane Helicopters were one of Robinson’s very... Read more
9-Feb-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co seem to have got themselves in a PR pickle today. No press release put out, yet a number of their dealers start to put information out on their own websites to say that the R66 Turbine is now released and you can put a $75K deposit down on one. Try navigating their... Read more
24-Sep-2009Source: Rolls-Royce
Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine business said, “With the turn-key solution AAR will provide, RR300 operators will have 24/7 access to parts and services critical for their day to day operations. As the Rolls-Royce Helicopter business continues to grow, meeting the needs of our customers around the world remains a top priority.â€... Read more
24-Feb-2009Source: AIN
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