A crash-resistant fuel bladder fits in an aluminum and fiberglass enclosure with an internal fuel pump that pumps fuel to the helicopter’s main tank at approximately 40 gallons per hour. In addition, the pilot can manually activate it via a remote control switch in the panel. The tank occupies two-thirds of the compartment, leaving space for up to 100 lb of cargo. This has been his mantra since 1973, when he founded the company at his kitchen table to design and manufacture simple, relatively inexpensive piston-engine-powered helicopters. The company delivered its 8,000th helicopter in 2007, a record 893 in 2008 and 433 in recession-ravaged 2009.

The IFD 440 has built in synthetic vision with traffic, obstacle, and terrain alerting. The Enstrom 480B offers less range capability. of baggage. Max Take Off Weight: 1,361 Kg 3,000 lbs Max Landing Weight: Max Payload: 544 Kg 1,199 lbs Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 gallon 227 litre Baggage Volume: A cockpit indicator warns the pilot if a battery fault is detected. So Robinson–who retired last year at age 80–felt he had no choice but to develop a helicopter that would run on jet-A.He spent a long time trying to develop a diesel-powered machine that would use jet-A but ran into the same power-to-weight and durability problems that have retarded diesel applications for fixed-wing aircraft. Interior hard points at forward door posts are included for attaching safety tether or harness for crew during doors-off operation. “Other than that, [the R66] is a hair smoother and a hair quieter, but it is nothing earthshaking.” Other pilots who have flown it are less subdued, claiming that the RR300 basically keeps the R66’s vertical speed indicator “pegged.”Frank Robinson thinks that R66 production could eventually reach 150 to 200 aircraft annually and become the largest revenue component of his company. Two days after the second turbine-powered Robinson R66 made its first flight in 2009, Robinson Helicopter CEO Frank Robinson still had little good to say about small turbine-powered helicopters.“Fuel consumption is too…high and parts costs are too high,” said Robinson, as we sat in the lunchroom of his sprawling Torrance, Calif. plant. For audio entertainment in the cockpit, the sound-enabled GDL 69A SXM also provides SiriusXM Satellite Radio.The RA-4000 Radar Altimeter provides highly accurate altitude above-ground-level (AGL) information from 2,000 feet down to ground level. when full of fuel. The ground handling cart allows a single operator to easily move the helicopter on a smooth hard surface. Additional autopilot modes include heading hold, altitude hold, navigation signal tracking (VOR or GPS) and approach navigation (including vertical guidance). Note: The circle lines depicted do not account for winds aloft or any other weather-related obstacles. The company will use the new space to expand its cabin fabrication and welding departments.
The 18-cubic-foot luggage hold can carry 300 pounds and is big enough for golf clubs. A fan is included with the large bubble window.The R66 Turbine can be equipped with FAA-certified wire strike provisions that allow for easy, bolt-on installation of Magellan Aerospace’s Wire Strike Protection System (sold separately by Magellan).Wire strike provisions add 7 lb to the empty weight of the R66 and include reinforcement and attachment points on the windshield bow, roof and chin.

However, 70 percent of the company’s sales in recent years have gone to the export market, where avgas is increasingly scarce, expensive or both. For even more visual awareness, turn your iPad into a second IFD by synchronizing to your 410 using the free IFD 100 app.Meeting ADS-B equipage rules for NextGen airspace just got easier — and more beneficial — for thousands of aircraft owners worldwide. The controls are located in the upper avionics console and feature an ON/OFF switch, a NO FLOW annunciator light, and a fuel QUANTITY button.Accessory support bars include a mount with one 1-inch ball and one 1.5-inch ball for personal electronic device (P.E.D. The Robinson R66 Turbine is a five-place helicopter that incorporates many of the design features of its reputable predecessor, the R44, including a two-bladed rotor system, T-bar cyclic and an open interior cabin configuration. His dream of building simple, affordable helicopters has paid off.

Most of the R66 design is based on the earlier piston-engine R44. Notable differences are the R66’s increased reserve power, improved altitude performance, fifth seat and dedicated baggage compartment. Please see our The first truly all-digital audio panel, the GMA 350Hc introduces a number of new technologies to the helicopter cockpit, including Telligence™ Voice Command, 3-D audio processing and advanced auto squelch.