China Certifies Robinson R66

China's civil aviation authority, the CAAC, certified the Robinson R66Turbine helicopter on 29 April 2014.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Robinson R66 Turbine helicopter received certification from China's civil aviation authority (CAAC) on April 29, 2014, making China one of over 50 countries to approve the aircraft.
  • The R66's low operating costs and high performance position it well for China's emerging rotorcraft market, as the country relaxes airspace restrictions and invests in general aviation development.
  • This certification is significant for Robinson Helicopter Company, as foreign markets historically represent two-thirds of its sales.
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China’s civil aviation authority, the CAAC, certified the Robinson R66Turbine helicopter on 29 April 2014, almost one year to the day the certification processbegan. China joins the now over fifty countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, EASA member states (Europe), Japan, South Africa, and the U.S. that have certified the R66.

As China relaxes airspace restrictions and its general aviation continues to develop through investments in infrastructure and training, helicopters are expected to play a more prominent role. With low operating and acquisition costs, the high performance5-place R66 is well suited for the country’s emerging rotorcraft market. Foreign markets have historically represented two-thirds of Robinson’s sales.

To date, approximately 500 R66 helicopters operate in more than thirty countries and Robinson estimates total fleet hours at over 160,000. In response to customer feedback, glass and touchscreen avionics were recently added to the R66’s options list.

Founded in 1973, Robinson Helicopter Company is the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com.

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