Robinson R-22 Helicopters: Lower Cost Aircraft for the Average Pilot

If you enjoy piloting your own helicopter, but think this is a luxury reserved for the very rich, consider purchasing a Robinson R-22 model. Developed by helicopter pilot Frank Robinson, the Robinson R-22 helicopter was one of the first models intended for the private helicopter owner. The initial flight of the Robinson R-22 happened at Torrance Airport in 1975. In 1979, it finally hit the public market, selling for a relatively inexpensive $40,000 per helicopter.

Robinson R-22 helicopters: Used by flying schools

The release of the Robinson R-22 helicopter made aviation more accessible to the average family. No longer only the province of the extremely wealthy, there was a large influx of new helicopter pilots into flying schools. The flying schools themselves capitalized on the newfound popularity of these inexpensive helicopters, purchasing several models themselves to use as training vehicles to lure new students.

Robinson R-22 helicopters: Initial problems

Unfortunately, the Robinson R-22 helicopter was not designed to be used by complete novices. When Frank Robinson founded the Robinson Helicopter Company, his goal was to allow experienced helicopter pilots to enjoy their favorite hobby at a lower price. Instead, his new Robinson R-22 helicopter was used to attract new people to the sport. The main problem in using the Robinson R-22 as a training helicopter was its extreme sensitivity. It was designed to respond to the subtle movements of an experienced pilot, not the nervous jerking of a total beginning. This caused a significant number of accidents with the Robinson R-22 helicopter and many people complained that its design was inherently flawed.

Robinson R-22 helicopters: Adjustments to training courses

As a response to these complaints, the Robinson Helicopter Company created its own Robinson Safety Course designed specifically for the Robinson R-22 model. As the flying schools adjusted their teaching methods to the sensitive controls of the Robinson R-22 helicopter, the accidents lessened and the company regained its reputation as a safe manufacturer.

Robinson R-22 helicopters: Today's uses

Even today, many people have their first helicopter piloting experience behind the controls of a Robinson R-22. One advantage of learning on a difficult to control aircraft such as the Robinson R-22 helicopter is that you will be ready to handle larger helicopters without much of a difficult adjustment. It has remained popular among rich private owners who either wish to learn how to fly a helicopter or already have experience with the aircraft. In 2008, the 40,000 Robinson R-22 helicopter left the Robinson Helicopter Company factory, with many more of this reliable machine to be sold in future years.