Robinson Helicopter Company opened shop in 1973. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 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 b. https://www.regulations.gov, FAA-2022-0872; Project Identifier AD-2022-00431-R. By this time, Robinson was selling more helicopters than anybody else, including Bell, Sikorsky, Boeing, and McDonnell Douglas. The company had sales of $50 million in 1991, when it shipped a record 402 helicopters. Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Its another thing, from an engineering standpoint, to say, How are you going to do this? This is not a simple thing to do.. For complete information about, and access to, our official publications To learn more about the methodology and review the computer code The company recommended that the change should be done as soon as practical, but no later than 31 December 2014. Robinson introduced its first helicopter, the 2-place piston powered R22 in 1979. [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%). For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505, United States; phone: (310) 539-0508; email: 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. His left arm was partly paralyzed and he now walks with a limp. Not the president of Robinson Helicopter, not the founder, he was an engineer. on At the same time, reports by the NTSB detail examples of experienced pilots who were killed in what the agency said should have been survivable accidents. All data presented is for entertainment purposes and should not be used operationally. Several government agencies there have since banned the use of Robinsons by their employees. Two early R22's were in fatal accidents, however, leading to a redesign of rotor blades. 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. I thought, wait a minute, they can continue to make this same part even after they knew? The cracks were found at different inspection intervals ranging from preflight inspections to 100-hour inspections. The R22 would eventually claim world speed and altitude records for its class. 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.. (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. They put people in the air who otherwise would not be able to afford to fly helicopters or buy helicopters, said Ilyas Akbari, a Los Angeles aviation attorney whose firm has brought about a dozen lawsuits alleging that design defects make Robinsons unforgiving of pilot mistakes and inherently unsafe. I mean, thats somebody just learning how to fly, said Kurt. 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. Its one thing to sit on the sideline and say, Youve got to improve that, Robinson said. All escaped just before fire destroyed the helicopter. documents in the last year, 1008 provide legal notice to the public or judicial notice to the courts. 49 U.S.C. 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. 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. Besides the recession, product liability was another major factor in slowing sales across the entire U.S. general aviation industry in the early 1980s. They havent figured it out, former NTSB chairman Christopher Hart told The Times late last year. 106(g), 40113, 44701. a. 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. As the helicopter plunged toward San Pablo Bay, the recorder also picked up the students muffled cry of Help!. 07/12/2022 at 8:45 am. Attorney Tim Tomasik is a national leader in litigation involving mass disasters and transportation injuries. The lightweight piston-engine helicopter could rival the performance of its turbine-powered rivals at a fraction of the cost. Robinson Helicopter Company: The Deadliest Helicopter Manufacturer in Robinson Helicopter Company is the leading manufacturer of light piston-engine helicopters. 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. Currently this company employees 1,300 people. But the safety board also said he most likely would have survived if no fire had occurred. 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. The NTSB blamed the November 2012 accident on his failure to clear the overhang. Robinson is one of the first aviation companies in North America to achieve ISO 9001 certification for helicopter design, production and service. R44 Clipper II Fixed. Robinson Helicopter Company. The R22 and the R44 both use Lycoming piston engines, while the R66 uses a turbine engine. In September 1981, it began offering a more the powerful R22 HP for a base price of $59,850. If you are using public inspection listings for legal research, you The company delivered 384 R22's in 1990; sales were $48 million. The Robinson R44 is a four-seat light helicopter produced by Robinson Helicopter Company since 1992. [3] In January 2000, Robinson introduced the Raven with hydraulically assisted controls[4] and adjustable pedals. This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, certificated in any category, with an Start Printed Page 14413 agricultural spray system installed by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR00286BO with spray systems serial-numbered 0045 through 0178 inclusive, installed. Robinson Helicopter is one of best known helicopter manufacturers, despite only producing three models. by searching for and locating Docket No. Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. AD 2021-19-08 requires checking each blade for any crack and removing any cracked blade from service. He handled everything as an engineering problem and something to solve.. This document has been published in the Federal Register. Death rate (Fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours). 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. Machinist (Former Employee) - Torrance, CA - November 10, 2020. Robinson was born in Carbonado, Washington in 1930. to the courts under 44 U.S.C. Robinson founded the Robinson Helicopter Company out of his Palos Verdes home in 1973 and developed the first R22 prototype at the Torrance Airport. America's deadliest helicopters. Mast-bumping often occurs in low-gravity or low G conditions, which can be induced by incorrect pilot inputs or turbulent weather. 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. There are a few reasons this might happen: To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page. Information about this document as published in the Federal Register. This was the largest-scale grounding of any aircraft in New Zealand's history. Instead of sharing the report with pilots, owners or the FAA, the company argued in legal proceedings that it contained proprietary information. [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 would take four years to gain FAA certification. All rights reserved. Robinson had 800 employees in 2000. Its business model: mass-produce simple, low-cost helicopters and sell them to the civilian public at an affordable price. Machinist (Former Employee) - Torrance, CA - November 10, 2020. I just remember thinking, Who is going to die next? she said. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 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. Currently, the company only manufactures three different models of helicopters. From our office in Chicago, Illinois we help injured victims throughout Illinois, the United States and in some cases, internationally. "We intend to go on for many, many more years, so he's left a real legacy. Ladd Sanger, the Slack Davis Sanger aviation attorney was interviewed during this investigation. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked blades. 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. Additional information is available in this. Its been a really good partnership, said Kurt. To date it has delivered more than13,000 helicopters and shows no sign of stopping. AD 2021-19-08 also requires removing all affected blades from service and prohibits installing any affected blade on any helicopter. "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. The company protested the watch-list designation and said mast-bumping accidents are entirely avoidable when pilots use good judgment and follow operating procedures. This R66 Turbine was finally certified in 2010 to the updated federal regulation amendments. "He was a very determined person who didn't accept no; whenever he was faced with a challenge he found a way to push on," Kurt said. The Public Inspection page may also that agencies use to create their documents. Open for Comment. In this Issue, Documents I will tell you Ive never seen anybody hurt with that, he said. The company president, Kurt Robinson, contested his helicopters place atop The Times accident-rate ranking. 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). Visit our company website at. the Federal Register. Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters 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. This AD also requires removing all affected blades . R44 Clipper II Popout. Robinson founded the Robinson Helicopter company in 1973 where he defied the opinions of aviation leaders and opened a previously untapped market for private ownership through his signature R22, R44 and R66 model helicopters. by the Securities and Exchange Commission This company has posted a revenue of $200 million. 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. Robinson Helicopter soon opened a plant at Torrance Airport. They manufacture the R22, which is a two-seater, the R44, which is a four-seater, and the R66, which is a five-seater. Death rate (Fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours). This means that they are not agents of Robinson Helicopter Company. The CAA left the Airworthiness Directive requiring repetitive inspections in place, however. A weak dollar was good for exports, which accounted for 80 percent of sales. Piston-engined Helicopter Market 2023 Effective Growth - MarketWatch These new affected blades are from a batch of blades manufactured from a separate lot of material, and testing determined that they are also susceptible to stress corrosion cracking and can be installed on Robinson Model R44, R44 II, and R66 helicopters. Production bonuses. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The R44 has been the world's best-selling general aviation (GA) helicopter every year since 1999. R44 Raven I. R44 Clipper I. R44 Cadet. For more information about this AD, contact 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 Frank Robinson was a former employee of both Hughes Helicopters and Bell Helicopter. Source: International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. 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. daily Federal Register on FederalRegister.gov will remain an unofficial The company by then had 150 employees. The NTSB cited other mast-rocking accidents, including a 2009 hard landing in which three Alaska state troopers walked away from their heavily damaged R44. In 2013, Robinson was the global market leader, selling 523 light helicopters, a 1% increase from 2012. In 1957, he earned a BSME degree from the University of Washington and later attended graduate school at the University of Wichita. U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. 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. "And he got in the helicopter and he actually hovered it, which is very impressive. An overflowing order book called for a major expansion of the Torrance plant. This PDF is There is absolutely nothing to do with our hub or rotor system that affects or causes it, he said. documents in the last year, 887 When people say that ours have more accidents than the others, well, ours are not being flown by professional people, Robinson said. 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. The R22 would eventually dominate the world helicopter trainer market. documents in the last year, 153 That image stuck with Robinson and drove the course of his career and life. Robinson said that doesnt matter, because the stiffer mounts have eliminated the problem: We knew how to solve it and we did.. 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. documents in the last year, by the International Trade Commission Between 2006 and 2016, Robinson R44s alone were involved in 42 deadly helicopter crashes. The FAA responded by issuing Special Flight Aviation Regulation 73, which requires extra instruction about mast-bumping risks and low-G conditions, along with specific flight checks for pilots of the R22 and R44. He was captivated with helicopters and really wanted to develop that as a personal transport and the rest is history, said Kurt. For continued operation until the affected blades are replaced, the service bulletin specifies a preflight inspection to be performed by the pilot. (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. Monday thru Friday. The Robinson R44 is a four-seat light helicopter produced by Robinson Helicopter Company since 1992. More than 600 people have perished in Robinson crashes around the world since 1982. Robinson was not the first person who aspired to create an affordable helicopter for personal use. The FAA reviewed Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-108, dated June 30, 2021. in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia University. Two years later, the American Helicopter Museum received another $1 million to purchase its building in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Docket No. More information and documentation can be found in our Full benefits for employee and offered insurance for family. They were in the air for 90 seconds when it shook to the point where I felt that the aircraft was about to come apart, pilot Scott Quist told the NTSB. Whether the lightweight design of Robinson helicopters makes them dangerous has long been the subject of debate and litigation. Robinson continued to improve its products. Like other manufacturers, Robinson had an eye on the emerging Chinese market, which was expected to field 2,000 helicopters by 2010. Robinson Helicopter Company -- Company History The Public Inspection page electronic version on GPOs govinfo.gov. 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. None were wearing fire-resistant gear. It is also a popular choice for law enforcement agencies. . 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. The Robinson R44, the worlds best-selling civilian helicopter, has a long history of deadly crashes. Very productive in house fabrication and istallation. While every effort has been made to ensure that Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: The OFR/GPO partnership is committed to presenting accurate and reliable The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposal because of those comments. The President of the United States issues other types of documents, including but not limited to; memoranda, notices, determinations, letters, messages, and orders. Frank Robinson had begun to work on a design for a four-seat helicopter in the mid-1980s. In contrast, the Bell Jet Ranger, a five-seat, turbine-powered helicopter, cost $600,000. Robinson pilots in deadly crashes had tallied a median of 1,017 flight hours, the least of any major helicopter maker. What Else Does Robinson Helicopter Company Manufacture? The Robinson Helicopter Company, based at Zamperini Field in Torrance, California, is a manufacturer of civilian helicopters. He also argued that the vast majority of Robinson accidents are the fault of pilots not the machine and that many are students or hobbyists with little time at the controls. Robinson was generally successful in winning lawsuits, having them dismissed, or settling them for reasonable amounts. Scores of R44 pilots and passengers have been killed in preventable post-crash fires, or in helicopters that dropped from the sky when they suddenly lost lift. documents in the last year, 19 Since the FAA issued AD 2021-19-08, it was determined that an additional model helicopter and additional blades are affected by the unsafe condition. Lead photo: The wreckage of Jim Bechler's R44, which caught fire in a low-impact crash at Corona Municipal Airport in 2012 (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times), (Fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours), At Hollister Ranch, homeowners enjoy private beaches and hefty tax breaks, too, How your neighborhood voted in the razor-thin L.A. County sheriff's race, Aging cops and firefighters miss years of work and collect twice the pay, L.A. County deputies stopped thousands of innocent Latinos, github.com/datadesk/helicopter-accident-analysis. The ATSB recommended that the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) take further action to urge R44 owners to fit bladder-type tanks. Robinson Helicopter Company, a prominent player in the civil helicopter industry, has an impressive list of achievements. In each model, Robinson played an integral role in the engineering and development. 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. Its greater size also opened new possibilities in police work, agriculture, and fish spotting. Aviation was in his blood.. Robinson Helicopter Company Careers and Employment - Indeed Currently, the company only manufactures three different models of helicopters. Plans for production of the Robinson R66 were announced in March 2007. Robinson Helicopter Company - Wikipedia And if we branch out from the R44 model, the statistics are even worse. [7] Several Robinson helicopters have been destroyed in incidents where mast bumping was determined to have occurred. R44 Cadet with Floats. Frank D. Robinson - Wikipedia 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.
