Robinson Helicopter Company. 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. Robinson was generally successful in winning lawsuits, having them dismissed, or settling them for reasonable amounts. The company delivered 390 new aircraft in 2000 and 328 in 2001, and has total sales exceeding $100 million annually. The new rules impact is unclear. [10], The R44 was found to be prone to post-accident fires due to damage to the aluminum fuel tanks, allowing fuel to leak out. New Documents james.guo@faa.gov. The helicopter that crashed in Newport Beach in January, killing the pilot and two passengers, was operated by a flight school and touring company and was headed to Catalina Island. of the issuing agency. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Robinson, reported Forbes, did not carry liability insurance due to its supreme confidence in his product. Director of Civil Aviation Graeme Harris stated, "We don't want to see any complacency amongst operators as there is still a concern with these blades and we are waiting on test results from the USA before we review the Airworthiness notice. Register documents. None were wearing fire-resistant gear. These include, but are in not limited to, induction into the California Aviation Hall of Fame, induction into the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, a Lifetime Aviation Engineering Award from the Living Legends of Aviation, the Daniel Guggenheim Medal from the American Helicopter Society, and the Howard Hughes Memorial Award from the Southern California Aeronautic Association. R44 Clipper II Popout. Aviation was in his blood.". documents in the last year, 887 The R44 retains that title to this day, partly due to its being one of the cheapest helicopters on the market. It was so popular that he went on to build a specialized newscopter version as well as a police helicopter. He went on to work in engineering at the Cessna Aircraft Company, McCulloch Motor Company, Kaman Aircraft, Bell Helicopter and Hughes Helicopter Company. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Robinson helicopters use a patented design for their main rotor, with a triple-hinged rotor assembly "teetering" atop an extended mast. https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-robinson-helicopters. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. The company continued to grow in the late 1990s. documents in the last year, 931 And if we branch out from the R44 model, the statistics are even worse. The R22 received its hard-fought FAA approval in 1979 and went on to become the most popular civilian helicopter worldwide. The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-19-08, which applies to certain Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. Since delivering its first helicopter in 1979, Robinson Helicopter has produced over 12,000 aircraft. An overflowing order book called for a major expansion of the Torrance plant. The Robinson R44 is a four-seat light helicopter produced by Robinson Helicopter Company since 1992. Several government agencies there have since banned the use of Robinsons by their employees. Of the 13,000 helicopters Robinson has sold, 1,200 have crashed. In 2013, Robinson was the global market leader, selling 523 light helicopters, a 1% increase from 2012. In the early 1970s, Robinson designed the Robinson R22 helicopter, a popular, light, two-place civilian aircraft, which later . Upon his retirement, Frank Robinson was succeeded by his son, Kurt, who is the Chairman and President of the Robinson Helicopter Company. b. Predictably, as Robinson continues to operate in this manner, tragedy continues to strike. Its one thing to sit on the sideline and say, Youve got to improve that, Robinson said. The R22 would eventually claim world speed and altitude records for its class. This service information specifies inspecting the sensor wiring, installing a governor wiring kit, and accomplishing the starting engine and run-up checklist to verify proper . on NARA's archives.gov. The R44 Newscopter debuted around the same time, outfitted for television news coverage. The R44 is a single-engined helicopter with a semi-rigid two-bladed main rotor, a two-bladed tail rotor and a skid landing gear. documents in the last year, 153 https://robinsonheli.com/. Currently this company employees 1,300 people. 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. Federal Register issue. After completing the CAPTCHA below, you will immediately regain access to the site again. Sixty workers were soon laid off, however, due to a sales slowdown. People who like adventure are attracted to our products, he said. 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 . All escaped just before fire destroyed the helicopter. The R22 and the R44 both use Lycoming piston engines, while the R66 uses a turbine engine. You may examine the AD docket at Until the ACFR grants it official status, the XML He was a very determined person who didnt accept no; whenever he was faced with a challenge he found a way to push on, Kurt said. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: Robinson Helicopter Company: The OFR/GPO partnership is committed to presenting accurate and reliable should verify the contents of the documents against a final, official Kurt Robinson said it took until 2009 to develop a suitable bladder for his helicopters, disputing allegations in wrongful-death lawsuits that the company could have acted sooner. 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. The Model R22 Alpha, with increased gross weight, was rolled out two years later. Robinson had 800 employees in 2000. Robinson moved to a new 260,000-square-foot plant in July 1994. As the helicopter plunged toward San Pablo Bay, the recorder also picked up the students muffled cry of Help!. R66 Turbine Marine. Today the R44 sells for about $475,000, the R22 for about $300,000 and the R66 a five-seat turbine-powered model introduced in 2010 for about $900,000. Based on the company's two-seat Robinson R22, the R44 features hydraulically assisted flight controls. In each model, Robinson played an integral role in the engineering and development. You have to instruct them and tell them there are things you cant do.. When I was 9 or 10 I saw a picture in the Seattle newspaper of Igor Sikorsky hovering in a VS-300 prototype, Robinson said in a 2010 lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society in England. I believe RHC divests itself of all records in an attempt to have plausible deniability related to responsibility.. Whilst all three of company's helicopters produced to date have been incredibly successful, the Robinson R44 is by far the most popular. https://www.regulations.gov. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. The company reported 1 million flight hours for its R66 Turbine fleet in autumn 2019, and it delivered R66 serial number 1000 in summer 2020. The R22's simple design, easy maintenance and low acquisition 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. To date it has delivered more than13,000 helicopters and shows no sign of stopping. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and prevent cracks in the affected blades. Before jurors began deliberations on punitive damages, the two sides reached a confidential settlement. Robinson Helicopter Company is the leading manufacturer of light piston-engine helicopters. The R22 hit the market in 1979. Robinson was planning to establish a production line for this aircraft in Santa Maria until the city of Torrance offered the company a good rate on a lease of additional land. Source: International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. No other make of helicopter is subject to such a regulation, according to the FAA. The company was born in 1973 in the Rancho Palos Verdes home of engineer Frank Robinson, who became enamored of helicopters as a kid in Washington state. To maintain the highest quality standards, the company carries out most of the . and services, go to In my near half-century of aviation experience, RHC is the only aircraft manufacturer I have found in the world that does not focus on safety, he wrote in a report filed with a lawsuit stemming from a New Jersey crash. A year after it was issued, four people burned to death in a low-impact crash in Washington state. 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. It was viewed 11 times while on Public Inspection. [21], On 19 February 2015, the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority issued an Airworthiness Directive grounding 80 of the country's R44 helicopters after two people were killed in an accident traced to a particular type of main rotor blade, the P/N C016-7 or Dash 7, which a preliminary investigation determined had failed in flight. The top sellers of Robinson Helicopter are the R44 and R66 models. documents in the last year, 19 106(g), 40113, 44701. a. Federal eRulemaking Portal: Thats just amazing to me. Monday thru Friday. 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. https://www.regulations.gov, The diesel could provide better altitude performance, a fuel burn reduced from 16 to 12USgal (61 to 45L) per hour and better fuel availability. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering and then spent 16 years working for aircraft manufacturers, including major helicopter makers Bell and Hughes. 07/12/2022 at 8:45 am. Overtime sometimes on weekends. This AD also requires removing all affected blades . It is not an official legal edition of the Federal It is a glaring problem, but nobody wants to fix it.. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. To date it has delivered more than13,000 helicopters and shows no sign of stopping. 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. [11] The TAIC report noted "Helicopters with semirigid, two-bladed main rotor systems, as used on Robinson helicopters, are particularly susceptible to mast bumping in "low-G" conditions". 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 President of the United States manages the operations of the Executive branch of Government through Executive orders. It was so popular that he went on to build a specialized newscopter version as well as a police helicopter. The company vigorously defended its record, maintaining that its aircraft are safe and reliable when flown within their operating limits. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. I was very happy when they emerged alive, said golfer Kevin Keating, who saw the R44 fall from the sky. America's . That image stuck with Robinson and drove the course of his career and life. You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: In some helicopters, it might cause only minor damage. Robinson released its first model, the R22, in the late 1970s, and it released the R44 in 1993. Robinson died peacefully in his Rolling Hills home on Saturday, Nov. 12. In 1957, he earned a BSME degree from the University of Washington and later attended graduate school at the University of Wichita. The company had documented the sort of severe vibrations that Wells experienced in a once-confidential analysis referred to in court records as the Robinson chug report. Dated Jan. 13, 2007, it was written by chief engineer Pete Riedl and detailed incidents of R44 mast-rocking from 1993 to 2006, attributing it to a fore-and-aft movement of the main rotor shaft and gearbox assembly. Rather than modify its helicopters to reduce the risk of post-crash fires, Robinson advised pilots and passengers wear protective suits. The FAA issued AD 2021-19-08, Amendment 39-21726 (86 FR 49915, September 7, 2021) (AD 2021-19-08), for Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with a blade part number (P/N) C029-3 with serial number (S/N) 9410 through 9909 inclusive, installed. The ATSB recommended that the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) take further action to urge R44 owners to fit bladder-type tanks. Were on our mission and we will keep going forward.. 05/01/2023, 244 The FAA reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-119, and Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-111, each dated February 23, 2022. It was the second failure or partial failure in two months. Federal Register provide legal notice to the public and judicial notice "We intend to go on for many, many more years, so he's left a real legacy. Without data, you are at a loss. 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. Powered by a 160-horsepower Lycoming engine, the R22 had a fiberglass fuselage and sold for a base price of $40,000. This PDF is The helicopter broke apart in midair so suddenly it interrupted the pilot in midsentence. 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. 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. 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. The Robinson R44 led all major models with the highest fatal accident rate from 2006 to 2016. Employment would soon pass 400 workers. Federal aviation officials routinely use the data to calculate accident rates. documents in the last year, 84 In each model, Robinson played an integral role in the engineering and development. developer tools pages. documents in the last year, 125 A Proposed Rule by the Federal Aviation Administration on 07/13/2022. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This proposed AD would also require, within three months after the effective date of AD 2021-19-08 or within six months after the effective date of this AD, as applicable, removing all affected blades from service. With a bargain price tag of $40,000, it soon became the most popular civilian helicopter in the world and a favorite of flight schools. In 2010, the company once again expanded its line with the five-seat turbine-powered R66 helicopter. 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. From a numbers standpoint, it worked. Robinson produces three models the two-seat R22, the four-seat R44, both of which use Lycoming piston engines, and the five-seat R66, which uses a turbine engine. 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 It is one of the most-produced GA aircraft of the 21st century, with 5,941 deliveries from 2001 to 2020.[1][2]. I look at that today and I just say oh my god., Nobody could show him how to do it, he just had to do it.. 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. Global key piston-engined helicopter manufacturers include Robinson Helicopter Company Hlicoptres Guimbal, Enstrom Helicopter Corp. etc. But the following year, at age 80, Robinson did retire from the iconic helicopter company he founded in 1973, turning control over to his son, Kurt. In 2018, a U.S. lawsuit accused the Robinson Helicopter Company of defective manufacturing after a mast-bumping event caused the in-flight breakup of an R66 helicopter.[12]. Document Drafting Handbook Take the case of Jim Bechler, an Orange County attorney who had piloted Robinson helicopters for more than 30 years and bought a new R44 in 2008. [4] Production in 2014 dropped to 329 aircraft. Frank Robinson made large donations to two aviation history projects. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. The prevailing opinion, at the time, was that helicopter market was for the military only. Robinson participates in NTSB investigations involving its helicopters and submits its findings to federal authorities. the current document as it appeared on Public Inspection on Robinson began taking orders for the R44 in March 1992 at $235,000 for a fully equipped model. Robinson ' s two-seat R22 and four-seat R44 helicopters offer public and private . Robinson founded the Robinson Helicopter Company out of his Palos Verdes home in 1973 and developed the first R22 prototype at the Torrance Airport. Robinson said some R44s with all-aluminum tanks continue to fly, despite his companys best efforts to urge owners to retrofit them. If you are using public inspection listings for legal research, you The FAA rejected that claim. When the vibration started, I looked in to check the gauges, but by that time the vibration was so bad I could not read them, Wells recalled. Mast-bumping often occurs in low-gravity or low G conditions, which can be induced by incorrect pilot inputs or turbulent weather. 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. Robinson died peacefully in his Rolling Hills home on Saturday, Nov. 12. Robinson was already exporting half of its production in the mid-1980s. Robinson Helicopter is one of best known helicopter manufacturers, despite only producing three models. We intend to go on for many, many more years, so hes left a real legacy. They manufacture the R22, which is a two-seater, the R44, which is a four-seater, and the R66, which is a five-seater. I look at that today and I just say 'oh my god'. The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 29, 2022. Fuel consumption of 20 miles per gallon was claimed for the R22, which was also said to be the quietest chopper around. [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. Larry Wells, a pilot for the FAA, was practicing hovering, landing and liftoff maneuvers near Jackson, Miss., on Sept. 1, 2009, when his Robinson R44 began to shudder violently. 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. [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. There are a few reasons this might happen: To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page. I just remember thinking, Who is going to die next? she said. 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. It is such a double-edged sword with this company, Akbari said. 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. It doesnt even keep track of statistical data to address recurring problems or determine the numbers of people who have been injured or killed. (3) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2021-19-08 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements in paragraph (g) of this AD. Robinson said that doesnt matter, because the stiffer mounts have eliminated the problem: We knew how to solve it and we did.. Today, Robinson Helicopter Company are famous for producing some of the most popular helicopters ever. documents in the last year, 669 They have recently released an autopilot for helicopters, as well as glass avionics. Aviation consultant William Lawrence, a retired Marine Corps colonel and helicopter test pilot and instructor who has testified as a paid expert against Robinson Helicopter Co. in a dozen lawsuits, contends the company willfully ignores safety issues to avoid liability. Initial financing was in the $2 to $3 million range. Discovery of the incident was incorrectly described as a pilot feeling abnormal vibrations during flight. This document has been published in the Federal Register. [1][2] Robinson helicopter will celebrate 50 years in business in June 2023.[3]. Finally, this proposed AD would revise the applicability by adding blades with P/N C029-3 with S/N 9910 through 10659 inclusive to the applicability for Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters and would also expand the applicability by adding Robinson Model R66 helicopters with blade P/N F-029-1 with S/N 2410 through 2589 inclusive installed. In this Issue, Documents to the courts under 44 U.S.C. When people say that ours have more accidents than the others, well, ours are not being flown by professional people, Robinson said. Robinson Helicopter Company Russian Helicopters, JSC Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Table of content for the HelicopterMarket includes: Global HelicopterMarket: Research Methodology . 05/01/2023, 858 The R44 has been the world's best-selling general aviation (GA . An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform this proposed check and would have to enter compliance with the applicable paragraph of this proposed AD in the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). R44 helicopters that were manufactured before December of 2010, as well as all R22 helicopters, have fuel tanks that are more susceptible to rupturing than other fuel tanks. . It provides parts and accessories, helicopter and engine overhauls, helicopter repairs, and educational courses for pilots and maintenance technicians. In 1957, he earned a BSME degree from the University of Washington and later attended graduate school at the University of Wichita. In Southern California, three R44s have crashed since January 2017, killing three people and injuring six others, NTSB records show. Not the president of Robinson Helicopter, not the founder, he was an engineer. The company delivered 384 R22's in 1990; sales were $48 million. Counts are subject to sampling, reprocessing and revision (up or down) throughout the day. ADDRESSES Robinson was also a major figures of the Torrance and Palos Verdes communities, and played an integral role in putting Torrances aviation industry on the map. Even using the companys estimated flight hours nearly 40% more than the FAAs the R44 still had the highest rate at 1.17 fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours. Information may be emailed to: "He was captivated with helicopters and really wanted to develop that as a personal transport and the rest is history," said Kurt. It is a five-seat helicopter of similar configuration to the R44, but with the addition of a luggage compartment, wider cabin by 8in (20cm), and powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 gas turbine engine. Full benefits for employee and offered insurance for family. Ladd Sanger, the Slack Davis Sanger aviation attorney was interviewed during this investigation. "If you asked Frank who he is, the first thing he would tell you is he's an engineer," said Kurt. More information and documentation can be found in our Franklin Davis Robinson (January 14, 1930 - November 12, 2022) was an American aeronautical engineer and the founder of Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California.He served as president, chief executive officer, and chairman of the company for many years. In 2009, the company began to bolster its new R44 tanks with flexible bladders, which are puncture-resistant and designed to contain fuel in low-impact crashes.
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