The Robinson R22 Helicopter
New Economical Two-Seat Helicopter Changes Rotary Aviation Forever
A new helicopter which brought down the cost of learning to fly and owning one's own helicopter, the Robinson R22 was an almost instant success.
In 1973 a young helicopter pilot and engineer called Frank Robinson founded the Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), and changed the world of helicopter flying for ever. His aim was to develop, manufacture, and market a light two-seater helicopter which would be affordable for the private owner, and a mere two years later he had done it. The R22 first flew at Torrance Airport, Southern California, in 1975, and the first production model was delivered just over four years later, with the price for the basic model being a fairly reasonable $40,000.
What is Special About the R22?
Suddenly, rather than being only for the mega-rich, helicopter flying was relatively affordable. So right from the start, the new little machine attracted a great deal of attention in the helicopter world. And it was hardly surprising that rotary flying schools, keen to reduce the cost of training and attract new students, began to take an interest in this new helicopter. They realized that now many people who so far had been unable to afford to fly helicopters would now be able to learn.
But Is it Suitable for Beginners?
According to helicopter folklore 30 years down the line, Frank Robinson was initially absolutely horrified at the idea of his new little helicopter being used for training new students. Apparently he had envisaged the R22 being used as personal aerial transport, but only by experienced helicopter pilots. He did not think that his twitchy, sensitive little helicopter was suitable for new students to learn on, and he said so. But Frank had started something with his affordable rotary aircraft, and the flying schools weren’t about to let it go, just like that. They began to buy R22s, and people began to learn to fly them from scratch.
But is it Safe?
In the early days there were quite a lot of accidents with the new aircraft, and it developed a bad reputation, with many people saying it was dangerous. But gradually training techniques improved, and a special Robinson Safety Course was developed for owners and new pilots. The accident rate fell dramatically as a result, and these days the helicopter is considered to be very safe.
The R22's Popularity Grows
Right from the start, the R22 grew in popularity, and this growth continued. By 1981, 100 helicopters had been delivered, and by 1985 there were 500. The little helicopter’s role expanded into other areas - radio and television reporting, aerial photography, personal and business transport, and cattle mustering. And in January of this 2008 the 4000th R22 was sold, to Australian distributor Heliflite.
The Present Day
These days most people learn to fly on the R22, even if they move on to larger helicopters afterwards. It is said to be the most difficult helicopter on which to learn, but this is not a major disadvantage. Everyone agrees that once you can fly an R22, conversion on to any other helicopter is extremely easy. The little helicopter is extremely popular among private owners of comparatively limited means, again because it is affordable, and also great fun to fly. Overall, the R22 has been the rotary success story of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
More information on helicopter models and flying tips can be found at Robinson R44 Helicopter, and Helicopter Engine-off Landings.
Sources
"Robinson R22", Today's Pilot magazine, February 2007.
"Regarding Robinson R22 Helicopters", H H Brutlag, Rennsport Sidecars 2006.
