Today, 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. Video footage of the first flight can be found here. 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. 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. “The R22 was Frank Robinson's dream to make rotary-wing flight accessible for the average person,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “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.”