Robinson Helicopters, August 28, 2025 - TORRANCE, CA – Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world's leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the R22 helicopter’s first flight.
Robinson Helicopter started with the R22, the two-seat light utility helicopter that first took flight in 1975 and received FAA certification in 1979
The Robinson R22 is a cornerstone of helicopter flight training worldwide, with nearly 5,000 sold since 1973. Its simple mechanical operation builds and strengthens foundational piloting skills, providing new aviators with a better understanding of helicopter handling.
The R22 is so effective at training that it's often said, "If you can fly an R22, you can fly anything," a testament to its value in preparing pilots for any aircraft and any mission.
Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopter was born from a mission to design and build a safe, reliable, and affordable helicopter.
Frank Robinson with Evio C. de Oliveira and the R22 prototype at Torrance Airport near Los Angeles, in early 1973
Before the R22, helicopters were mostly confined to military use, para-public organizations, and large corporations. The R22 changed that narrative, opening up new opportunities for flight training, agricultural use, and more. The R22 revolutionized the personal helicopter market and laid the foundation for Robinson Helicopter’s entire product line, including the R44, R66, and all-new R88.
David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, said “The R22 was Frank Robinson's dream to make rotary-wing flight accessible for the average person. Fifty years ago, the R22 didn't just take its first flight; it created a legacy that has empowered generations of pilots and operators around the world, and we continue to honor its lasting impact and the role it plays in the global helicopter community.” Watch the “Climb Higher” episode here, showcasing how the R22 equips many of the world's rotorcraft pilots and flight schools with the critical skills and foundation necessary for a career in aviation.
About Robinson Helicopter Company : For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the industry.
Robinson Helicopter started with the R22, the two-seat light utility helicopter that first took flight in 1975 and received FAA certification in 1979
The Robinson R22 is a cornerstone of helicopter flight training worldwide, with nearly 5,000 sold since 1973. Its simple mechanical operation builds and strengthens foundational piloting skills, providing new aviators with a better understanding of helicopter handling.
The R22 is so effective at training that it's often said, "If you can fly an R22, you can fly anything," a testament to its value in preparing pilots for any aircraft and any mission.
Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopter was born from a mission to design and build a safe, reliable, and affordable helicopter.
Frank Robinson with Evio C. de Oliveira and the R22 prototype at Torrance Airport near Los Angeles, in early 1973
Before the R22, helicopters were mostly confined to military use, para-public organizations, and large corporations. The R22 changed that narrative, opening up new opportunities for flight training, agricultural use, and more. The R22 revolutionized the personal helicopter market and laid the foundation for Robinson Helicopter’s entire product line, including the R44, R66, and all-new R88.
David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, said “The R22 was Frank Robinson's dream to make rotary-wing flight accessible for the average person. Fifty years ago, the R22 didn't just take its first flight; it created a legacy that has empowered generations of pilots and operators around the world, and we continue to honor its lasting impact and the role it plays in the global helicopter community.” Watch the “Climb Higher” episode here, showcasing how the R22 equips many of the world's rotorcraft pilots and flight schools with the critical skills and foundation necessary for a career in aviation.
About Robinson Helicopter Company : For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the industry.
Current R22 Beta II model
Torrance Comments | Join community |
| And how many deaths since then? |
The difference between America and Italy. It was founded as "Dragon Fly Srl" by brothers Angelo and Alfredo Castiglioni in Cucciago (Como). The first two prototypes of helicopters were designed and built in 1989. The DF 333 was the first helicopter to enter production, certified by RAI in 1996 and made in about 70 units. Ideal for pilot school, fire prevention. but in the end the company closed ...... if the country does not believe in innovations......  |
| You could buy the Alpha for forty thousand Aus. Great machine, lacked power, no governor very reliable though. |
See also |
Robinson R22
Robinson timeline
