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Robinson Helicopter celebrates 45 years of the R22

Robinson Helicopter Company this month celebrated the 45th anniversary of its two-seat R22 helicopter. On March 16, 1979, Robinson received FAA certification for the R22, which the company notes for the important role it played in evolving the personal helicopter market.

Robinson Helicopter explains many of the world’s rotorcraft pilots and flight schools begin their development in an R22. The R22 is now one of the best-selling civil helicopters in the world, with nearly 30 million hours flown globally, according to Robinson Helicopter estimates. There are more than 80 R22s that are more than 40 years old still in service.

“Thanks to this helicopter, pilots around the globe fell in love with the feeling of flight and built decades-long careers in aviation from their first moments in an R22,” said David Smith, CEO, Robinson Helicopter Company.