Helicopter manufacturer in the United States, New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission, "Robinson Helicopter celebrating 50 years", "Robinson Boosts Production as Sales Surge, Strikes Deal for 1,000 Rolls-Royce Turboshafts", "Robinson Tri-Hinge Rotor Head R22 Helicopter", "Final Report, Aviation Inquiry AO-2014-006, Robinson R44 II, ZK-HBQ, mast-bump and in-flight break-up, Kahurangi National Park, 7 October 2014", "TAIC publishes interim report on July 2018 fatal Robinson R44 helicopter accident over Lake Wanaka", "Danger spins from the sky: The Robinson R44, the world's best-selling civilian helicopter, has a long history of deadly crashes", "Robinson helicopters: mast bumping accidents in NZ", "Lawsuit Claims Robinson Defects Caused Fatal 2016 Crash in Arizona", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robinson_Helicopter_Company&oldid=1143572045, Helicopter manufacturers of the United States, Manufacturing companies based in Greater Los Angeles, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 March 2023, at 15:44. Robinson is one of the first aviation companies in North America to achieve ISO 9001 certification for helicopter design, production and service. The agency issued AD 2021-19-08 to address the unsafe condition on these products. Robinson's two-seat R22 and four-seat R44 helicopters offer public and private users a low-cost alternative to jet turbine helicopters such as the Bell JetRanger. Robinson Helicopter Company was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, whose vision was to produce the world's highest quality, most reliable helicopters in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible. Aviation was in his blood.". Designer Stanley Hiller had fanned the idea in the late-1940s, and some futurists' vision of the 1950s and 1960s included a helicopter in every driveway. It produces a greater number of civil helicopters per year than any other manufacturer, and 80 percent of those made in the United States. At 1,000 feet above the ground, everything was a blur as he fought to regain control. This AD applies to the following Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) helicopters, certificated in any category: (1) Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with a tail rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N) C029-3 with serial number (S/N) 9410 through 9909 inclusive, installed; (2) Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with a blade P/N C029-3 with S/N 9910 through 10659 inclusive, installed; and. In Robinsons, it has been catastrophic: Rotor systems break off or the blades cut into cockpits or tail booms, according to aviation experts and incident reports by U.S. and foreign accident investigators. That is an average of 1.6 deadly crashes per 100,000 hours flown, a rate nearly 50% higher than that of the other dozen most common civilian models. However, he was unable to interest any of his employers in his concept for a small, low-cost consumer helicopter. Death rate (Fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours). documents in the last year, 84 Frank Robinson, founder of Torrance's Robinson Helicopter Company, dies "And he got in the helicopter and he actually hovered it, which is very impressive. His legacy was to develop a low-cost reliable helicopter, that was more affordable, that more people could own in order to expand the industry, said Kurt. Robinsons contention that its pilots are less experienced is borne out to some extent by The Times analysis. The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. In the mid-1980s, Robinson began development on the four-seat piston-powered R44 helicopter, which hit the market in 1993 and eventually outsold the R22. The CAA left the Airworthiness Directive requiring repetitive inspections in place, however. Robinson Helicopter Company was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, whose vision was to produce the world's highest quality, most reliable helicopters in the most efficient, cost effective way . Since 1982, 600 people have died in Robinson helicopter crashes. The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 432 helicopters of U.S. registry. The warning was deemed impractical by many pilots and widely ignored. Robinson Helicopter offers three main product lines: the two-seat R22, the four-seat R44, and its newest model -- the five-seat R66 Turbine. You've disabled cookies in your web browser. 07/12/2022 at 8:45 am. This action may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). They havent figured it out, former NTSB chairman Christopher Hart told The Times late last year. Robinson would also look close to home for key staff. (3) For helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, within 3 months after September 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-19-08) remove from service any blade identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD. [20]:7, Although the data did not consider which type of fuel tanks were fitted, the report mentioned four fatal accidents to the R44 fitted with bladder-type tanks, but as far as they knew, did not involve a post-accident fire. When the answer is, We dont keep databases because every time something goes wrong we fix it, that doesnt answer the question of just what is the story, what is going on here? said Hart, the former NTSB chairman. This engine was designed in conjunction with Robinson and allowed the helicopter to perform better in hot temperatures and at high altitudes. On October 23, 2019, a Robinson R44 crashed after departing from the North Las Vegas Airport. Robinson had also looked at locations in the South and Midwest. You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed. There is absolutely nothing to do with our hub or rotor system that affects or causes it, he said. Full benefits for employee and offered insurance for family. The ATSB recommended that the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) take further action to urge R44 owners to fit bladder-type tanks. Overtime sometimes on weekends. 05/01/2023, 258 Based on the company's two-seat Robinson R22, the R44 features hydraulically assisted flight controls.It was first flown on 31 March 1990 and received FAA certification in December 1992, with the first delivery in February 1993.. [20]:7 Preliminary analysis by the ATSB of the NTSB's accident database found a similar statistic, with 15% of accidents in the US involving R44 helicopters having post-crash fires. It ruled out common mechanical issues, such as engine failure or fuel system problems, but did not come up with an explanation for the sudden loss of control. He was flying home from a business meeting near Temecula when he stopped to refuel at Corona Municipal Airport. ROBINSON Aircraft For Sale - 181 Listings | Controller.com [19], An accident investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) in March 2013 found, after analyzing historical data, that a significantly higher proportion of R44 aircraft (12%) caught fire after crashing, compared to accidents involving other types of piston-engine helicopters (7%). In 1975, Robinson had a working prototype of the first model, the R22, which had been constructed in a tin hangar at the Torrance Airport in southern California. They manufacture the R22, which is a two-seater, the R44, which is a four-seater, and the R66, which is a five-seater. They have recently released an autopilot for helicopters, as well as glass avionics. 650 were here. Call our Chicago aviation injury lawyers today at 312-605-8800 to arrange a free consultation. Robinson Helicopter Company -- Company History electronic version on GPOs govinfo.gov. After breaking even for a couple of years, Robinson Helicopter turned its first profit in 1987. Maintenance Training The Robinson Way | Aviation Pros Due to their unique main rotor design, during a sudden and prolonged or severe low-G condition Robinson helicopters can roll rapidly to the right and likely break up before a pilot can recover, New Zealand government accident investigators said in a 2016 report on a fatal R44 mast-bumping. Federal aviation officials routinely use the data to calculate accident rates. In contrast, the Bell Jet Ranger, a five-seat, turbine-powered helicopter, cost $600,000. The documents posted on this site are XML renditions of published Federal Oh, man, were they lucky.. That image stuck with Robinson and drove the course of his career and life. Each document posted on the site includes a link to the They are currently both offered with many different configuration options, including police, float, and even news versions. The company recommended that the change should be done as soon as practical, but no later than 31 December 2014. In an interview, Kurt Robinson described the vibration as a red herring that was more of an annoyance than a safety issue and said the company addressed it years ago by changing to firmer rubber gearbox mounts. Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc. Economic Sanctions & Foreign Assets Control, Smoking Cessation and Related Indications, Labeling of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives and Voluntary Nutrient Statements, Authority To Order the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces to Active Duty To Address International Drug Trafficking, Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs), https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-14830, MODS: Government Publishing Office metadata. From improper fuel-tank placement, to mast-bumping (where the helicopter blades see-saw to the point of hitting the aircraft), to mast-rocking (inexplicable, violent vibrations in the middle of the flight that cause a crash), the Robinson Helicopter Company has found itself under FAA scrutiny numerous times for the R44s fatal defects. What Else Does Robinson Helicopter Company Manufacture? Robinson Helicopter Company - ideamensch Robinson, reported Forbes, did not carry liability insurance due to its supreme confidence in his product. provide legal notice to the public or judicial notice to the courts. Death rate (Fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours). As a result of the investigation, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority grounded all R44 helicopters that didnt have improved and upgraded fuel tanks as of the first of May 2013. On key safety issues dogging the R44, the FAA has taken a more hands-off approach than its foreign counterparts. [6], In 1997, a Robinson R44 was piloted by Jennifer Murray for the first helicopter circumnavigation of the world by a woman, covering a distance of 36,000 miles in 97 days. This PDF is Neither was making the helicopter for the masses that he envisioned. Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades. Recently, Robinson Helicopter released the R44 Cadet, this is a two-place R44 that has been specifically designed for training. Crashes of Robinson helicopters have killed 176 people to date. An overflowing order book called for a major expansion of the Torrance plant. The NTSB concluded that mast-rocking was the cause of Quists accident and took Robinson to task for not sounding alarms about the potential danger. This table of contents is a navigational tool, processed from the He built a prototype of the two-seat, piston-engine R22 in a hangar at nearby Torrance Airport, now home to the companys 600,000-square-foot factory. This AD replaces AD 2021-19-08, Amendment 39-21726 (86 FR 49915, September 7, 2021) (AD 2021-19-08). In some helicopters, it might cause only minor damage. ts1@robinsonheli.com; He said the FAA flight-hour totals used to calculate the accident rate are a guesstimate.. Robinson R44 - Wikipedia 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. Driven by foreign sales, production was soon returning to normal. Production bonuses. https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-robinson-helicopters. Federal Register issue. legal research should verify their results against an official edition of Before jurors began deliberations on punitive damages, the two sides reached a confidential settlement. Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. In 2016, the government of New Zealand placed Robinson mast-bumping on its watch list of most serious transportation safety concerns, citing 14 fatal accidents over the previous 20 years. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. This R66 Turbine was finally certified in 2010 to the updated federal regulation amendments. The R22 received its hard-fought FAA approval in 1979 and went on to become the most popular civilian helicopter worldwide. It is one of the most-produced GA aircraft of the 21st century, with 5,941 deliveries from 2001 to 2020.[1][2]. (5) For helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, as of September 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-19-08), do not install a blade identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD on any helicopter. He served as president of the Torrance-based company until he retired in 2010 at age 80 and passed the reins to his son Kurt Robinson. daily Federal Register on FederalRegister.gov will remain an unofficial AD 2021-19-08 was prompted by reports of spanwise cracks found along the leading edge of P/N C029-3 blades, S/N 9410 through 9909. Starting up Robinson Helicopter from his home office that same year, it took him two years to design and build the . For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505, United States; phone: (310) 539-0508; email: He replaced his living room furniture with drafting tables, set up a workshop in the garage and farmed out parts fabrication to a business partner in Hawaii. The end result is that the entire rotor assembly can easily shear off of the helicopter. [26], Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era, "2013 General Aviation Statistical Databook & 2014 Industry Outlook", General Aviation Manufacturers Association, "Robinson Introduces the Two-Place R44 Cadet", "Robinson Helicopter upbeat on diesel R&D with R44 Raven II", "Crash of helicopter on Catalina is fourth fatal accident of this model since April", "Lebanese Army Takes Delivery of Two More Robinsons", "PNP gets 3 Raven choppers for anti-crime operations", "Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe Przekazanie samolotw i migowcw szkoleniowych dla LPR", " " "" "", "South Africa Combats Crime with R44 Raven II Police Helicopters", "Down one search-and-rescue helicopter, Alaska State Troopers reorganize", "Uruguay suma helicpteros estadounidenses a la polica para reforzar la vigilancia", Collision with terrain involving Robinson R44 helicopter, VH-HWQ, Preliminary, Prohibition of FlightC016-7 Main Rotor Blades, "Australia, New Zealand Ground Some R-44s", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robinson_R44&oldid=1148577372, This page was last edited on 7 April 2023, at 01:19. This means that the fuel system was likely at fault for the majority of these crashes. Piston-engined Helicopter Market 2023 Effective Growth - MarketWatch After making eight aircraft in 1979, Robinson produced 78 units in 1980 and 176 the next year. Helicopter Pioneer Frank Robinson Passes | Markets Insider Though the federal government does not track the flight hours of pilots across the board, it does log the experience level of those involved in accidents. He really loved living here and weve been part of the community for over 40 years. The company by then had 150 employees. The passenger leaves behind a widow seeking justice for what was a preventable death. They manufacture the R22, which is a two-seater, the R44, which is a four-seater, and the R66, which is a five-seater. website: She has a B.A. Monday thru Friday. Robinson had projected sales of 500 units a year by 1982, reported American Metal Markets, but did not meet the figure due to a recession. Just two years later he took the two-seat, piston powered helicopter on its first flight with a mere 60 hours of flight experience behind him. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type designs. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) soon began investigating the R22 after a wave of crashes. [5], Robinson has carried out ground run testing with an aircraft diesel engine that could replace its Lycoming IO-540 avgas engine. If you or a member of your family have suffered injuries or wrongful death in a Robinson helicopter crash or another type of aviation accident, our lawyers can work with you to identify the liable parties and pursue financial compensation. The President of the United States manages the operations of the Executive branch of Government through Executive orders. Robinson Helicopter Company was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, whose vision was to produce the world's highest quality, most reliable helicopters in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible. He later worked on rotorcraft research for manufacturers including McCulloch Motor Company, Kaman Aircraft, Bell Helicopter, and, finally, Hughes Aircraft Company, which he joined in 1969. Robinson helicopters use a patented design for their main rotor, with a triple-hinged rotor assembly "teetering" atop an extended mast. on (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD and thereafter before each flight, check each blade at the leading edge for a crack. learn how over 7,000 companies got started! abnormal vibrations during flight; subsequent investigation determined that the blade was cracked. On top of being the best-selling civilian helicopter in the world, the R44 is also the most lethal. 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. Copyright (c) 2022 Company-Histories.com. documents in the last year, 1407 It does not analyze its findings to determine accident causes. Nor does it retain detailed records of accidents or incidents, compile statistical data to track recurring issues or tally how many people have been killed or injured in its helicopters. James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5357; email He sued Robinson, which disputed that mast-rocking caused his crash. Discovery of the incident was incorrectly described as a pilot feeling abnormal vibrations during flight. Open for Comment. AD 2021-19-08 requires checking each tail rotor blade (blade) for any crack and removing any cracked blade from service. By 2003, the R44 sales had easily doubled the R22 sales. Robinson noted that U.S. fatal R44 crashes declined to two in 2017, which he said reflected the companys efforts to reduce the accident rate. A float-equipped version, dubbed the Mariner, was introduced later in the year and was priced at $94,850. In August 1985, the company introduced the Beta model of the R22, featuring advanced avionics. The company manufactures non-military helicopters used in applications such as police work, television news reporting, instrument flight training, radio traffic reporting, and emergency services. Working at Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, CA - Indeed He earned a degree in mechanical engineering and then spent 16 years working for aircraft manufacturers, including major helicopter makers Bell and Hughes. A fully equipped R22 sold for about $105,000 then. After completing the CAPTCHA below, you will immediately regain access to the site again. To reduce the risk of injury in a post-crash fire, it is strongly recommended that a fire-retardant Nomex flight suit, gloves and hood or helmet be worn by all occupants, said Robinson Safety Notice 40. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. If you asked Frank who he is, the first thing he would tell you is hes an engineer, said Kurt. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. I mean, that's somebody just learning how to fly," said Kurt. Frank Robinson was born in 1930 and grew up near Seattle. (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. Robinson Helicopter is one of best known helicopter manufacturers, despite only producing three models. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Robinson was also a visionary and a veritable aviation rock star, who racked up accolades over the course of his five-decade career. The prevailing opinion, at the time, was that helicopter market was for the military only. His left arm was partly paralyzed and he now walks with a limp. Production bonuses. This proposed AD would continue to require, before further flight and thereafter before each flight, checking each affected blade for any crack along the leading edge of the blade. The Public Inspection page Document Drafting Handbook Now that Robinson Helicopter had a great engine in place to use, they were able to develop their five-place turbine helicopter. Not the president of Robinson Helicopter, not the founder, he was an engineer. How The Robinson R66 Became The Most Popular Dangerous Helicopter The Times reviewed all investigation reports issued since the new regulation took effect and identified 10 fatal Robinson crashes in which investigators saw signs of mast-bumping. publication in the future. Its greater size also opened new possibilities in police work, agriculture, and fish spotting. Design work on his new lightweight helicopter consumed the living room and garage of Robinson's Palos Verdes residence, which was itself mortgaged to finance the aircraft's development. In 2013, the board expressed concern that the company had never found the root cause of the problem and thus could not ensure that it would not recur. Wells, then 57, broke more than 60 bones and spent six weeks in a coma. Minutes later, as the helicopter lifted off with 40 gallons of fuel in its tanks, its rotor blades clipped a metal canopy over the fuel island. The company currently has over 1,000 employees in its Torrance headquarters. More information and documentation can be found in our documents in the last year, by the Energy Department FAA-2022-0872; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. and services, go to It provides parts and accessories, helicopter and engine overhauls, helicopter repairs, and educational courses for pilots and maintenance technicians. Visit our company website at. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5357; email A Proposed Rule by the Federal Aviation Administration on 07/13/2022. All escaped just before fire destroyed the helicopter. 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. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked blades. Robinson R44: The Best Selling Civilian Helicopter Yet! . You may examine the AD docket at Robinson was born in Carbonado, Washington in 1930. In 2010, the company once again expanded its line with the five-seat turbine-powered R66 helicopter. The first production R44 Astro was delivered in February 1993. The R44 retains that title to this day, partly due to its being one of the cheapest helicopters on the market. Global key piston-engined helicopter manufacturers include Robinson Helicopter Company Hlicoptres Guimbal, Enstrom Helicopter Corp. etc. This service bulletin specifies removing P/N C029-3 blades with S/N 9410 through 9909 from service. The R44 also boasted low operating costs and required less frequent servicing than typical helicopters. You are shooting in the dark.. This document has been published in the Federal Register. on FederalRegister.gov Both of these service bulletins are dated January 6, 2022 and specify that a preflight inspection is to be performed by the pilot for continued operation until the affected blades are replaced.
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