June 1973 :
Company founded by Frank Robinson to design and manufacture a light,
inexpensive helicopter for the general aviation market.
August 1975 :
First flight of two-seat model R22 prototype at Torrance Airport.
March 1979 :
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues type certificate for R22;
Robinson announces R22 base price of $40,000.
January 1981 : 100th R22 helicopter is delivered.
March 1981 :
Robinson receives FAA Production Certificate
allowing the company to do its own testing and inspection.
September 1981 : Model R22 HP
is announced with more powerful engine, improved altitude performance, and a base price of $59,850.
October 1982 :
Safety course for flight instructors is launched to standardize training at flight schools, where R22s are widely used.
September 1983 :
Model R22 Alpha is announced with increased gross weight and a base price of $77,850.
January 1985 :
Auxiliary fuel system is approved for R22 Alpha model, increasing range and endurance by 65%.
July 1985 : 500th R22 helicopter is delivered.
August 1985 : Model R22 Beta
is introduced with higher take-off rating, larger instrument panel,
and base price if $85,850.
October 1985 : Model R22 Mariner
is approved with fixed utility floats, priced at $94,850;
R22 sets world record for Distance in a Close Circuit for Class E-1a helicopters.
December 1988 :
Robinson becomes leading producer of light helicopters, producing more new
helicopters in 1988 than any other manufacturer.
January 1989:
R22 sets world altitude record for Class E-1a helicopters.
Frank Robinson with Evio C. de Oliveira and the R22 prototype at Torrance Airport near Los Angeles, in early 1973. Notice "Experimental"
April 1989 : 1000th R22 helicopter is delivered.
May 1989 :
R22 breaks its own altitude record for Class E-1a helicopters.
December 1989 :
310 R22s are delivered in 1989, making it the year's most popular
light Aircraft - including helicopters and airplanes.
February 1990 :
New RPM governor is approved for R22.
