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 . Some pilots or their surviving family members said they were stunned to learn after accidents of the R44s safety issues, and they questioned why regulators had not taken stronger action. The CAA determined through laboratory tests that the rotor blade had failed due to overload during the crash and was not the cause of the accident and the fleet was ungrounded on 24 February 2015. Machinist (Former Employee) - Torrance, CA - November 10, 2020. james.guo@faa.gov. Source: International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. Death rate (Fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours). In early 2002, a Honda dealer in Santa Ana, California, began installing the first at his auto lot. Two early R22's were in fatal accidents, however, leading to a redesign of rotor blades. abnormal vibrations during flight; subsequent investigation determined that the blade was cracked. [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". AD 2021-19-08 requires checking each blade for any crack and removing any cracked blade from service. Kurt Robinson rejected any link between mast-bumping and design. TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 12, 2022 Robinson Helicopter Company bid a final farewell to its founder, Frank Robinson.Robinson, 92, passed away peacefully at his . These helicopters are all manufactured, assembled, inspected, and tested at the Torrance, California factory. Hand Delivery: The CAA left the Airworthiness Directive requiring repetitive inspections in place, however. corresponding official PDF file on govinfo.gov. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505, United States; phone: (310) 539-0508; email: Ours are being flown much, much more at the entry point of the market.. This AD also requires removing all affected blades . . "He really did have a true love of the industry. Ladd Sanger, the Slack Davis Sanger aviation attorney was interviewed during this investigation. After completing the CAPTCHA below, you will immediately regain access to the site again. There is absolutely nothing to do with our hub or rotor system that affects or causes it, he said. Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopter has since produced more than 12,000 aircraft. The company delivered 390 new aircraft in 2000 and 328 in 2001, and has total sales exceeding $100 million annually. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 29, 2022. (2) If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the blade from service. In contrast, the Bell Jet Ranger, a five-seat, turbine-powered helicopter, cost $600,000. Register, and does not replace the official print version or the official The FAA Is Under Pressure to Ground Robinson Helicopter,", Flint, Jerry, "The Bird Man of Torrance,", "Foreign Helicopter Giants Vie for Chinese Market,", "Frank Robinson Donates $1 Million to Helicopter Museum,", Jones, Sam L., "Robinson Maintains Its Niche for Piston-Powered 'Copters,", Lambert, Mark, "Civil Helicopters; 1984 Is the Year of Change,", ------, "Hard Times, But Some Hope for the Helicopter Men,", Lewis, Paul, "Annual Sales: Output Slumps as Economies Slow,", Morris, John, "Little Growth Forecast for Helicopter Deliveries,", Pae, Peter, "Flying High with Modest Venture; Robinson Becomes Top-Selling Maker of Civilian Copters by Sticking to Its Mom-and-Pop Origins,", Parke, Robert B., "FAA Limits Robinson Flight Operations,", Phillips, Edward H., "NTSB Urges FAA to Ground R22/R44 Helicopters,", ------, "Robinson, Federal Agencies at Odds Over R44, R22 Issues,", ------, "R22 Main Rotor Focus of NTSB Report,", "Robinson Helicopter: The Discipline of the Marketplace,", Sarsfield, Kate, "Hydraulic Controls Prove Big Hit for R44 Sales,", ------, "Order Surge Fuels Robinson's Plans for Expansion,", ------, "Robinson Considers New Engine for Popular R44,", Scott, William B., "Reliability, Low Operating Costs Key to Robinson R-44 Sales,", Smith, Bruce A., "Robinson Helicopter's R44 to Offer Greater Capacity, Speed Than R22,", Sweetman, Bill, "US Manufacturers Get Their House in Order,", Swertlow, Frank, "Choppers on the Cheap,", Vartabedian, Ralph, "Low-Cost Copter Builder Tops Sales of Big-Name Rivals,", ------, "Robinson Helicopters Taking Off,", Wastnage, Justin, "Upgraded Raven Goes on Sale,". 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. The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. However, he was unable to interest any of his employers in his concept for a small, low-cost consumer helicopter. For complete information about, and access to, our official publications 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 2016, the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) released a report summarizing 14 mast-bumping accidents or incidents involving Robinson helicopters in New Zealand, in which 18 people died. 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 I just remember thinking, Who is going to die next? she said. In 2000, he gave $1 million to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to fund a rotary-wing aircraft display at its new Dulles Airport facility. The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. Copyright (c) 2022 Company-Histories.com. 05/01/2023, 258 establishing the XML-based Federal Register as an ACFR-sanctioned Information may be emailed to: 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. R44 Clipper II Popout. The R22 and the R44 both use Lycoming piston engines, while the R66 uses a turbine engine. You may examine the AD docket at 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. publication in the future. 05/01/2023, 858 "We're on our mission and we will keep going forward. In early 1995, the NTSB asked the FAA to ground Robinson helicopters to allow for further research and testing. Instead of sharing the report with pilots, owners or the FAA, the company argued in legal proceedings that it contained proprietary information. documents in the last year, 825 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. Robinson helicopters use a patented design for their main rotor, with a triple-hinged rotor assembly "teetering" atop an extended mast. She formerly worked as the Torrance/Carson reporter for the Daily Breeze and as a city hall reporter for the Santa Monica Daily Press. Robinson died peacefully in his Rolling Hills home on Saturday, Nov. 12. The company also offers welding, machining, assembly, painting, and flight testing. [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. by the Securities and Exchange Commission 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. (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. [23][24][25], Data from Robinson R44 Raven II Pilot's Operating Handbook and FAA approved rotorcraft flight manual, dated 13 June 2005, and new Robinson R44 Raven II specifications. Robinson spent 16 years trying to convince his aerospace employers that such a market even existed. Robinson Helicopter Company is a manufacturer of helicopters. It was the second failure or partial failure in two months. R44 Raven II. Register documents. Kurt Robinson is the current President and Chairman. Information about this document as published in the Federal Register. Sales plunged to just 64 units in 1983. (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. documents in the last year, by the Energy Department The company delivered 384 R22's in 1990; sales were $48 million. The NTSB blamed the November 2012 accident on his failure to clear the overhang. Document page views are updated periodically throughout the day and are cumulative counts for this document. In 1957, he earned a BSME degree from the University of Washington and later attended graduate school at the University of Wichita. [5], Robinson has carried out ground run testing with an aircraft diesel engine that could replace its Lycoming IO-540 avgas engine. 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 . Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. 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. https://www.regulations.gov. These markup elements allow the user to see how the document follows the on This repetition of headings to form internal navigation links The company currently has over 1,000 employees in its Torrance headquarters. Its business model: mass-produce simple, low-cost helicopters and sell them to the civilian public at an affordable price. Finally, we can read about how these great companies came about with Company Histories.. Federal aviation officials routinely use the data to calculate accident rates. james.guo@faa.gov. He really loved living here and weve been part of the community for over 40 years. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. provide legal notice to the public or judicial notice to the courts. In some helicopters, it might cause only minor damage. documents in the last year, 37 Full benefits for employee and offered insurance for family. Robinson said some R44s with all-aluminum tanks continue to fly, despite his companys best efforts to urge owners to retrofit them. Robinson was born in Carbonado, Washington in 1930. What Else Does Robinson Helicopter Company Manufacture? The warning was deemed impractical by many pilots and widely ignored. The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. The NTSB blamed the accident on an undetermined event and launched an extensive review of fatal Robinson crashes 31 in the R22 and three in the then-fledgling R44. Expert aviation consultants find this shocking, and they have been quoted saying they believe Robinson Helicopter Company engages in these shoddy record-keeping practices with the specific intent to divest itself of all records in an attempt to have plausible deniability related to responsibility.. However, he was unable to interest any of his employers in his concept for a small, low-cost consumer helicopter. 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. on Recently, Robinson Helicopter released the R44 Cadet, this is a two-place R44 that has been specifically designed for training. (3) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2021-19-08 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements in paragraph (g) of this AD. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed regulation: (1) Is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and. Crashes of Robinson helicopters have killed 176 people to date. He developed his fascination with helicopters at the tender age of 9 when he saw a photo in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of Igor Sikorsky hovering his VS300 Prototype helicopter. Robinson Helicopter Company is the leading manufacturer of light piston-engine helicopters. Wells, then 57, broke more than 60 bones and spent six weeks in a coma. electronic version on GPOs govinfo.gov. 49 U.S.C. I will tell you Ive never seen anybody hurt with that, he said. Robinson released its first model, the R22, in the late 1970s, and it released the R44 in 1993. Document Drafting Handbook learn how over 7,000 companies got started! Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 05/01/2023, 244 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. 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]. "Not the president of Robinson Helicopter, not the founder, he was an engineer. documents in the last year, 494 documents in the last year, 125 They manufacture the R22, which is a two-seater, the R44, which is a four-seater, and the R66, which is a five-seater. Upon his retirement, Frank Robinson was succeeded by his son, Kurt, who is the Chairman and President of the Robinson Helicopter Company. Ten years later they introduced the R44 Raven II, which had an advanced engine, as well as an improved 28-volt electrical system. Robinsons contention that its pilots are less experienced is borne out to some extent by The Times analysis. 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. Call our Chicago aviation injury lawyers today at 312-605-8800 to arrange a free consultation. Against the advice of colleagues, Robinson struck out on his own in June 1973. The Robinson Helicopter Company, based at Zamperini Field in Torrance, California, is a manufacturer of civilian helicopters. 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). 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. in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia University. 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. Nothing in my training prepared me for this condition, he told investigators. Robinson would also look close to home for key staff. That image stuck with Robinson and drove the course of his career and life. Tail rotor direction of rotation on the R44 is reversed compared to the R22 for improved yaw control authority. 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. The company recommended that the change should be done as soon as practical, but no later than 31 December 2014. Global key piston-engined helicopter manufacturers include Robinson Helicopter Company Hlicoptres Guimbal, Enstrom Helicopter Corp. etc. This proposed AD would require the same actions as AD 2021-19-08 and would add certain Robinson Model R66 helicopters to the applicability and add additional part-numbered and serial-numbered blades to the applicability. Federal eRulemaking Portal: the material on FederalRegister.gov is accurately displayed, consistent with These were eventually attributed to pilot error. Tragically, those who were in the helicopter now fall among the nearly 600 people that have died in Robinson helicopter crashes since 1982. Frank Robinson's dream of a small, low-cost helicopter convinced him to resign from the Hughes Helicopter Company in 1973 and found the Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC). Counts are subject to sampling, reprocessing and revision (up or down) throughout the day. The President of the United States manages the operations of the Executive branch of Government through Executive orders. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) soon began investigating the R22 after a wave of crashes. Robinson Helicopter Company opened shop in 1973. There was an overall downturn in the U.S. helicopter industry due to a strong dollar, a recession, and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. on He developed his fascination with helicopters at the tender age of 9 when he saw a photo in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of Igor Sikorsky hovering his VS300 Prototype helicopter. Others have died when main rotor blades peeled apart in flight or sliced through tail booms or cockpits. We look at every accident trying to rack our brains out and say what improvements can we make to the helicopter, what things can we tell pilots through safety notices that will enhance safety for them, he 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. All teetering rotor systems are susceptible to a phenomenon called mast-bumping, which occurs when the seesawing becomes so extreme that the hub or the inner ends of the rotor blades strike the mast. "Frank could do it all," Kurt Robinson said . Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. He planned to commute to work in his R44. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The President of the United States issues other types of documents, including but not limited to; memoranda, notices, determinations, letters, messages, and orders. Whilst all three of company's helicopters produced to date have been incredibly successful, the Robinson R44 is by far the most popular. More than 600 people have perished in Robinson crashes around the world since 1982. Robinson Helicopter Company says the R66 and R44 are its top-selling models. 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. documents in the last year, 931 It is not an official legal edition of the Federal Aviation was in his blood.. 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.