03/06/2026
A Legacy That Changed Helicopter Aviation
In June 1973, Frank Robinson founded Robinson Helicopter Company with one bold vision — to create a simple, reliable, and affordable helicopter for everyday aviation.
That vision became reality with the Robinson R22, the company’s very first helicopter design. First flown in 1975 and certified in 1979, the R22 transformed civilian helicopter aviation by making flight training and personal helicopter ownership more accessible than ever before.
Before Robinson, helicopters were largely limited to military operations and major corporations. The R22 changed the industry forever, becoming one of the world’s best-selling civilian helicopters and opening the skies to thousands of new pilots worldwide.
More than 50 years later, Robinson Helicopter continues to lead the global rotorcraft industry with innovation, simplicity, and performance at its core.
