Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the R22’s first flight, the pioneer of civil helicopters. “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 helic

Robinson R22 Beta Crash at Pearland Regional Airport, Texas – October 27, 2024 On October 27, 2024, at approximately 8:35 AM local time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter (N7521Z), operated by Veracity Aviation LLC, was severely damaged in an accident at Pearland Regional Airport (KLVJ) near Houston, Texas. The helicopter lost control shortly after takeoff from the Veracity Aviation ramp, leading to a collision with a parked aircraft. The pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained serious i