25-Mar-2014Source: Uralhelicom
[Electronic translation] In the period from 12 to 26 March 2014 on the ATB LLC “Ural helicopter company – URALHELICOM “held training courses for technicians servicing helicopters Robinson R44, approved by the Federal Air Transport Agency. Lectures and workshops conducted by teachers and specialists UTC Ural “Ural helicopter company – URALHELICOM “, with extensive experience... Read more
21-Mar-2014Source: EASA
The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated a number of R44 helicopter accidents in which the fuel tanks were breached, resulting in leaking fuel and a post-crash fire. While analysis showed that these events should all have been survivable with minor or no injuries to the occupants, they resulted in fatalities and serious... Read more
11-Mar-2014Source: News24
Just imagine – you have previously only used your R44 for game capture when a friend calls you about a group of people stranded mid-river after their game reserve safari vehicle gets washed away. Kudos to pilot Coena Smith for rescuing not one but eleven people. See full story and these photos... Read more
10-Mar-2014Source: Robinson
Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1009AW (February 24, 2014) eliminates the previous 2200 time-between-overhaul (TBO) requirement that specified engines be used in “frequent” service, defined as 40 hours or more per month. The Service Instruction extends the engine overhaul period from 2000 to 2200 hours without restrictions, and applies only to Lycoming engines built to specifications... Read more
10-Mar-2014Source: Daily Breeze
Frank Robinson, founder of Robinson Helicopter Co. in Torrance, has been selected for induction into the California Aviation Hall of Fame. See full story Photo from Aviation Legends dinner, February 2011... Read more
6-Mar-2014Source: WCPO
Greenpeace duped Stratus Helicopters into flying a photographer and videographer over the group’s protest at Procter & Gamble headquarters Tuesday... Read more
27-Feb-2014Source: Guidance Aviation
Called “X-Copter”, it is an eighth generation helicopter flight simulator that has been in development since 2006 and the core component of the nationally recognized “Flight Cost Reduction Training” program at Guidance Aviation. Engineered for the primary flight training market, the X-Copter simulates the Robinson R22 and R44 models. X-Copter’s full-scale cockpit includes two high... Read more
26-Feb-2014Source: Whirly-Girls
Madeline Von Bokel was awarded the Robinson Helicopter R22/R44 Safety Course Scholarship at the Whirly-Girls Banquet at the 2014 HELI-EXPO which was held in Anaheim, CA. This year’s Robinson Helicopter R22/R44 Safety Course Scholarship recipient began flying in August of 2011 and have earned her Private, Commercial, Instrument, CFI, and CFII at MySky Academy in... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: Guidance Aviation
Guidance Louisiana, LLC of Baton Rouge, Louisiana has just launched a new Robinson Helicopter Dealership. On Friday, February 21, 2014, the dealership became official when Chief Pilot, Matt Cavenagh, received delivery of a new 2014 Robinson R66 Helicopter from the Robinson manufacturing facility in Torrance, California. “Guidance Louisiana will be providing sales and service of the... Read more
24-Feb-2014Source: Aspen Avionics
Aspen Avionics announced today the EFD1000H Primary Flight Display (PFD) system will be available as a factory option on the Robinson R22, R44 Raven I, R44 Raven II, and R66 helicopters. The EFD500H Multi-function Display (MFD) system will be available as a factory option on the R44 Raven I, R44 Raven II, and R66. The EFD1000H... Read more
23-Feb-2014Source: Spidertracks
Spidertracks is proud to announce an agreement with Robinson Helicopter Company to include the Spider S5 as the helicopter manufacturer’s real-time flight tracking offering in their options catalog for the R22, R44 and R66 models. “We think the spidertracks system offers an excellent overall value and believe that satellite-based position tracking provides significant safety benefits... Read more
10-Feb-2014Source: Robinson
Robinson Helicopter Company is introducing a new line of instrument panels and avionics for the R22, R44, and R66. The new line includes, as optional equipment, Garmin’s GTN 600/700 touch-screen navigators, as well as Aspen Avionics’ Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multifunction Display (MFD) systems. Garmin’s GTR 225B COM radio, GMA 350H audio panel, GDL... Read more
29-Jan-2014Source: El Paso Inc
Vertical Limit Aviation officially launches this week at Doña Ana County International Jetport in Santa Teresa, 25 minutes from Downtown El Paso See full story... Read more
28-Jan-2014Source: Noozhawk
On the way to earning a degree in architecture, Taylor Nancarrow decided to give up college to start a helicopter tour business with a brand new R44 Raven I See full story... Read more
21-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
After a bumper 45% increase in 2012 production over 2011, Robinson have produced near enough the exact same numbers of each helicopter type in 2013 compared to 2012. Robinson Helicopter’s production for 2013 was 523 helicopters – 192 R66s, 289 R44s and 42 R22s, a marginal 1% increase over 2012’s production of 517. The order... Read more
13-Jan-2014Source: Wine Searcher
In a typed letter which appeared in print in the French newspaper Midi Libre, the Agricultural Action Committee claimed that James Gregoire, who sold Château de la Rivière to Chinese businessman Lam Kok, “paid with his life for selling the vineyard to a foreign buyer exactly 10 days after we had warned him not to.”... Read more
12-Jan-2014Source: Heli UK
Nicholson McLaren Aviation has confirmed their attendance at the Heli UK Expo at Sywell Aerodrome, from 3rd – 4th June 2014. Nicholson McLaren Aviation are an EASA Part 145 approved company specializing in the overhaul, maintenance, repairs and overspeed inspections of Lycoming and Continental engine. Located in Berkshire, United Kingdom, Nicholson McLaren Aviation have a... Read more
10-Jan-2014Source: Nordic Rotors
The Accident Investigation Board of Norway (AIBN) has published its final report after an accident that occurred on 11 January 2012 southeast of Mosjøen, Nordland, involving a Swedish helicopter with the registration SE-JPZ. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 Raven II, had been hired for a reindeer-herding operation between an area south of Mosjøen and Sjåmoen... Read more
9-Jan-2014Source: Universal Helicopters
Universal Helicopters (UHI) with locations in Arizona, Utah, Kansas, and California, is proud to announce that they are in their 10th year with no incident, accident, or crashes. Dr. Gordon A Jiroux, President and CEO of UHI, stated “with safety, quality and crash free flying as our primary focus each and every day, UHI is... Read more
3-Jan-2014Source: Universal Helicopters
Dr. Gordon A Jiroux, President and CEO of Universal Helicopters, was on the Dodge City Community College (DCCC) campus November 14, 2013, for the first ever Universal Helicopters Technical Education Scholarship Reception. A student from each of the twenty-two technical education programs at Dodge City Community College was presented with a $1,000 scholarship by Dr.... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: Gyronimo
Tim Tucker, Robinson Helicopter Company’s Chief Instructor and Claus Richter founder of Gyronimo, LLC have teamed together to produce a series of new performance apps for the Robinson R22, R44 and R66. These new apps build on the already popular Robinson apps developed by Gyronimo but add the insights and knowledge of Robinson’s well known... Read more
12-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The Thai Army are taking delivery of a Robinson R44 Raven II – serial 13525 – for evaluation, and it is scheduled to arrive in-country this month. Local operator – and Robinson dealer in Thailand – Heliluck Aviation is handling the whole project, with Richard Mornington Sanford of Mornington Sanford Aviation providing R44 type training... Read more
6-Dec-2013Source: Universal Helicopters
Universal Helicopters (UHI), with locations in Arizona, Utah (dealership location), Kansas, and California, has placed orders on six new Robinson helicopters. Dr. Gordon A Jiroux, President and CEO of UHI, stated “with the success and demand for enrollment at all of our locations with respect to several different colligate programs, in the last quarter of... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: Variety
The family of a passenger killed in an R44 crash during the production of the documentary “DeepSea Challenge” has filed a wrongful death suit against James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment as well as Robinson and others. See full story More information on the safety page for this accident – 04-Feb-12 VH-COK Robinson R44 Jaspers Brush, Australia (2F)... Read more
2-Oct-2013Source: WBTW
Huffman Helicopters gets their lease renewed despite noise concerns at the location of their heliport in Myrtle Beach see full story... Read more
2-Oct-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The rush of R66 orders from Canada and Russia following the relatively recent type certification in those two countries is all but over. At the end of October 2013, Robinson will reduce the production rate of their five-seat turbine from 12 to 8 per month – although we expect it will rise at some point... Read more
30-Sep-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss operator Bonsai Helicopter has been renamed Helialpin. As we write this article, their old website URL remains active at www.bonsaiheli.ch and their new www.helialpin.ch is not yet ready – although the active site does refer to the new URL. Helialpin operates the following fleet – Robinson R22 Beta – HB-XTQ – Robinson R22 Beta... Read more
29-Sep-2013Source: Guidance Aviation
A helicopter pilot school scholarship has been established by Guidance Aviation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a $14,000 donation to the Baton Rouge Collegehelicopter pilot school scholarship Baton Rouge Community College Foundation. The helicopter pilot scholarship is designed to help students determine if they are on the right career path prior to committing to the... Read more
29-Sep-2013Source: TSB Canada
A helicopter pilot who took off more than an hour after sunset likely crashed after becoming spatially disoriented, according to an investigation report (A11Q0168) released today by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB). The accident, which occurred on 27 August 2011, killed the pilot and the three other occupants shortly after takeoff. All had been flying in... Read more
2-Sep-2013Source: Heli Air
Heli Air, the UK’s largest onshore helicopter operator, is delighted to announce that following the recent acquisition of Scotia Helicopters, it has now launched Heli Air Scotland, based at Cumbernauld Airport midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Heli Air now has nine bases across the UK, including the recently opened operation at City Airport & Heliport,... Read more
20-Aug-2013Source: Star Helicopters
Star Helicopters, a popular Southern California helicopter tour company, is once again the proud official tour operator of the Wings Wheel Rotor & Expo show. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, October 27 at the Los Alamitos Army Airfield, joint Forces Training Base. A portion of the proceeds from helicopter tours during the show... Read more
13-Aug-2013Source: Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy Inc., a division of Bristow Group Inc., today announced that its first four R44 Raven 1 training helicopters with the Garmin 500H electronic flight display have been introduced into service. Bristow Academy trainees flying this R44 aircraft will be using dual 6.5-inch LCDs, mounted side-by-side in the bezel, with both Primary Flight Display... Read more
29-Jul-2013Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), is offering new, high-performance, reusable engine air filters for Robinson Helicopter Company’s popular R22 and R44 models. Available now through Robinson’s parts network, the new filters draw on Donaldson’s advanced aerospace filtration expertise to protect Lycoming carbureted and fuel-injected engines powering the R22... Read more
23-Jul-2013Source: Rotorcorp
On July 3, 2013, Robinson Helicopter Company issued two Service Letters detailing the replacement of current disposable paper element radial air filters with a cleanable air filter for R22 and R44 helicopters. According to the Service Letters, disposable A771-1 (R22) and C771-1 (R44) engine air filters have been superseded by reusable B771-1 and B771-2 filters which... Read more
17-Jul-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow Academy have announced on their Facebook page that their fourth glass cockpit instrument trainer has arrived at their base at Titusville in Florida. The panel includes a full Garmin G500H fit. The ramp photo here is of their third R44 IR trainer N448BA as the photo of the fourth one – N449BA – is... Read more
17-Jul-2013Source: Rebtech
Texas-based night vision technology lighting leader, REBTECH, has recently completed a contract to modify four Robinson R44 helicopters for the Estonian Air Force. The installation included the modification of all aircraft lighting, which is based on REBTECH’s NVG Supplemental Type Certificated (STC), and was provided by REBTECH technicians on location at the Estonian Air Force... Read more
16-Jul-2013Source: Nordic Rotors
Heliholding AB of Östersund announces that it has acquired the helicopter company Copterflyg AB of Kilafors. The investment has been made in order to strengthen Heliholding’s presence in the European helicopter market and to add valuable elements to the Heliholding group. Heliholding has a profound experience in the helicopter industry. It owns the sales company Storm Heliworks... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: Phoenix Helicopters
The formula one championship came to Silverstone last weekend to a sell out British crowd. The Silverstone grand prix is one of the most popular rounds on the F1 calendar and is famous for its helicopter activity. Phoenix Helicopters have always had a busy weekend when the British GP comes around but this year was... Read more
2-Jul-2013Source: Sloane Helicopters
Established in Mallorca since 1995, Sloane Helicopters has made an exciting decision to base a four-seater Robinson R44 aircraft in Ibiza for various dates throughout summer 2013. Flying in and out of Ibiza Airport, the Company will offer heli-sightseeing trips and a platform for aerial photography. Chief Pilot, Jonny Greenall, says, “We’ve enjoyed a fabulous 18 years... Read more
27-Jun-2013Source: Precision Aviation Services
Peachtree City, GA based Precision Aviation Services (PAS), a Precision Aviation Group Company (PAG) has announced that it has been named a Robinson Helicopter Dealer and Service Center. PAS, formerly Gardner Aviation Services (GAS) is actively selling R22, R44 and R66 model Robinson Helicopters through its facility located at Falcon Field at the Atlanta Regional... Read more
24-Jun-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Heli Air are moving into Scotland with the purchase of Scotia Helicopters at Cumbernauld under the title “Heli Air Scotland”. Heli Air have been working with Scotia owner John Pearson for two years to reach agreement according to an article in The Herald which says that they were advised by Kytra Consulting. Headlining the new business as... Read more
15-May-2013Source: IOL
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has given the green light for a R4-million sponsorship of two anti-rhino poaching helicopters as well as securing two fixed-wing aircraft to bolster the fight against the onslaught of rhino poaching in KZN. (See Full Story)... Read more
15-May-2013Source: Helifilte
Heliflite’s authorised Robinson helicopter sales and service centre at Jandakot Airport celebrates five years of operation. In 2008 Heliflite opened its Western Australian centre at Perth’s Jandakot Airport. Manager Tony Bates leads the experienced Heliflite WA team. Heliflite has long been involved in the Western Australian helicopter industry going back to the late 1970s with a charter organisation once based... Read more
13-May-2013Source: Alabama Media Group
A helicopter tour and charter business continues to expand in the city with the council’s approval of a second heliport this week. (See Full Story)... Read more
7-May-2013Source: Colorado Heli-Ops
After their move in November to a larger newly remodeled facility, the Broomfield, Colo.-based company has added new helicopters and services. Heli-Ops is now a full service helicopter flight center. Their award-winning training center is the first in the United States to offer full-curriculum Scenario Based Training programs. They also have a utility side of... Read more
7-May-2013Source: Sky News
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued an order grounding all Robinson R44 helicopters that have not undergone a recently ordered safety upgrade. (See Full Story)... Read more
30-Apr-2013Source: Aspen Avionics
Aspen Avionics, manufacturer of the innovative Evolution Flight Display System, announced today the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for installation of Aspen Evolution H-series Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) and Multi-function Flight Displays (MFDs) into the Robinson R44 and R44 II model helicopters. Previously announced for N-registered aircraft, this expanded Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from... Read more
29-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson specialist Rotorcorp has posted an online video to help the appeal to track down an axe-wielding vandal who seriously damaged a Robinson R44. The helicopter was parked outside overnight in Montreal Canada on Friday 19th April 2013, when someone. Damage to the tail boom and most windows is evident from the video, as well... Read more
24-Apr-2013Source: Lycoming
Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation, released Service Instruction SI-1070R in April of 2012, which approved a wide variety of engines for use with ASTM D7547 UL 91 unleaded avgas. European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 2011-01 provided aircraft-level approval on the basis of engine approval. Today Lycoming is pleased to... Read more
15-Apr-2013Source: Nordic Rotors
On March 11 Sweden got a new helicopter pilot, a pilot who passed his skill test at the age of 76. Mr Erik Öinert, a former fighter pilot, gained his private helicopter license (PPL-H) after training with flight instructor Svein Martinsen in Helicopter Assistance’s R44 SE-JOE. As implied, Erik is not new to flying. In... Read more
11-Apr-2013Source: NZ CAA
The CAA proposes the following new Airworthiness Directive requiring the replacement of aluminium fuel tanks on Robinson R44 series aircraft with new bladder-type tanks of improved resistance to post-accident rupture. The AD is prompted by reports of three Robinson R44 accidents in Australia involving fuel tank ruptures and fires. These accidents resulted in the loss... Read more
10-Apr-2013Source: AIAA
Frank D. Robinson, founder, Robinson Helicopter Company, Torrance, Calif., has been selected to receive the 2013 Daniel Guggenheim Medal. He will receive the medal on Wednesday evening, May 22, at the Grand Awards Banquet of the American Helicopter Society International’s 69th Annual Forum and Technology Display, May 21–23, at the Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Ariz.... Read more
10-Apr-2013Source: IOL NEWS
Argentine passenger in R44 accident sues the pilot – her boyfriend’s father (see full story).... Read more
8-Apr-2013Source: Florida Today
This site is across the highway from Xtreme Fun at Jungle Village, and he plans to lease a Robinson R44 he calls the Honda of helicopters (see full story)... Read more
5-Apr-2013Source: ATSB
Robinson R44 helicopters that have not been fitted with upgraded fuel tanks face being grounded from 30 April 2013. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued a direction to all affected R44 helicopter operators about the installation of flexible fuel tanks to reduce the risk of post-accident fires. CASA has made it clear that R44... Read more
4-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Miami-Dade Police have today issued a statement naming Mark Palmieri, aged 53, as the deceased pilot of the R44 which came down in a fatal crash close to Tamiami Airport yesterday. Palmieri was the owner of Bravo Helicopters, which was based at the airport. There is no indication at this time as to the cause... Read more
25-Mar-2013Source: The Australian
An R44 that burst into flames when it crashed south of Sydney, killing four people, was fitted with older-style fuel tanks known to pose a fire hazard (See Full Story).... Read more
22-Mar-2013Source: ATP
ATP has released 5 new libraries in support of Robinson Helicopters. They include 1 new Maintenance Library and 4 new Operator Libraries. The Maintenance Library includes the Maintenance Manuals, Parts Catalogs, Service Bulletins, ADs and Flight Manuals needed to maintain the R66 airframe. The Operators Libraries include the POH, ADs, MMEL, and AIM and are... Read more
18-Mar-2013Source: The Daily Observer
Four people are in custody including two inmates of a maximum-security jail who made a brazen daylight escape when a hijacked helicopter dropped a cable to the convicts and flew off (see full story). The successful escape was then curtailed when Quebec Provincial Police tracked down the escapee, who gave himself up peacefully.... Read more
18-Mar-2013Source: Nordic Rotors
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) has published its final report after an accident that occurred on 6 September 2011 in Ånn, close to Åre, involving a Norwegian helicopter with the registration LN-OAB. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 Astro, was taking off for a private flight with three people onboard when the engine... Read more
15-Mar-2013Source: Seymour Herald
Public Safety Aviation, a public private partnership, held a presentation conference to highlight the benefits of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department new helicopter patrol Feb. 22 (see full story)... Read more
28-Feb-2013Source: Helidecks Software Solutions
Helidecks Software Solutions has released a series of cockpit guide and checklist apps for the AW109 and R44 helicopters. A professional-grade pilots checklist, the app is designed to provide pilots and instructors with an easy-to-follow challenge and response style set of checklists. The app is available to purchase through the Apple iTunes store. for use... Read more
27-Feb-2013Source: Helitowcart
Helitowcart, a specialist in helicopter handling devices and accessories is now adding a new product: Dual Wheels compatible with the R44 and R66. Helitowcart wheels for Robinsons are known for their heavy duty construction for long term reliability. The company already offers multiple wheel models and configurations for Robinsons. This latest addition will cater to... Read more
20-Feb-2013Source: HAI
Matthew L. Spitzer, musician, entrepreneur, and flying enthusiast, passed away in Hayward, Calif. on February 8, 2013. Matthew was born June 20, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and raised in Niagara Falls, N.Y. A talented professional pianist with perfect pitch, Matthew played in the Niagara Falls/Buffalo area both solo and with The Billy Howells Band. Matthew... Read more
18-Feb-2013Source: Rotorcorp
Airworthiness Directive 2012-19-01 has been issued by the FAA in September of 2012 for certain O540 and IO-540 engines installed in Robinson R44 helicopters. RotorCorp has arranged for priority pricing on Lycoming factory overhauled and rebuilt zero time engines that renders this new AD a non-issue for R44 helicopter owners around the world. The AD... Read more
5-Feb-2013Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to assist in the investigation of a Robinson R44 II helicopter that crashed about 80 miles north of Asuncion, Paraguay. Initial reports indicate that the pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The investigation is being led by the Paraguay Civil Aviation Authority (CIPAA). The NTSB has... Read more
3-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Presidential candidate Lino Oviedo, aged 69, died in an accident involving the Robinson R44 he was flying in on Saturday night. The accident also claimed the lives of his bodyguard Derlis Galeano, and the pilot, Ramón Aurelio Picco. Our safety data pages have more details at 02-Feb-13 ZP-HAH Robinson R44 Puerto Antequera, Paraguay (3F) Some... Read more
3-Feb-2013Source: Topeka Capital-Journal
Kansas Supreme Court upholds the decision of a lower court to invalidate a 2008 contract for Topeka Police to buy an R44 after the down payment of $74,000 had been paid. (see full story here – and the documentation from the court here)... Read more
30-Jan-2013
“In the evening of January 27, 2013 Gemini was alerted of an overdue helicopter with a last known location approximately 77 kilometers southwest of Fox Creek. ” (see full story) File photo... Read more
27-Jan-2013Source: ATSB
ATSB summary of the accident follows:- What happened On 3 September 2011, the pilot and one crewman of a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 helicopter, registered VH-HCA (HCA), departed an airstrip located near Kumarina roadhouse, approximately 150 km south of Newman, Western Australia. The crew were conducting low-level geophysical survey operations when the pilot was observed... Read more
18-Jan-2013Source: Smithville Times
From the company being founded in Oregon in 2007, and expanding into California, Jerry Trimble Helicopters has now opened at Smithville Crawford Municipal Airport in Texas (see full story)... Read more
16-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bolivian Government Minister Carlos Romero is reported in local press as announcing that the the national law enforcement agency “Policía Boliviana” will receive two Robinson R44s later this month. Due to the altitudes involved in Bolivia, the pair will not be able to fly around the capital La Paz, which lies between 10,650 and 13,250... Read more
14-Jan-2013Source: Robinson
Robinson Helicopter’s production for 2012 was 517 helicopters – 191 R66s, 286 R44s and 40 R22s, a 45% increase over 2011’s production of 356. As in previous years, the majority of those sales (70%) went to foreign customers. Based on the backlog of new orders, Robinson anticipates 2013’s production numbers to surpass 2012’s. The current... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Payson Roundup
Gila County Sheriff’s Office dive teams scoured the bottom of the lake for more than a week, but found no sign of the helicopter, which splashed into the lake during a sightseeing flight out of Mesa (see full story). File photo see also the following from HeliHub.com safety data pages – 07-Dec-12 N557AC Robinson R44... Read more
17-Dec-2012
Star Helicopters, one of the leading helicopter tour operators in Los Angeles, is proud to begin operating charter and air taxi helicopter rides with an FAA Part 135 certification. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all aircraft operators carrying passengers for hire in point-to-point helicopter rides or charters and commuter flights must carry this... Read more
