The Robinson R22 and its larger sibling the R44, are two of the most widely produced light helicopters in the world. They are relatively cheap to buy, and have low operating costs, making them popular with flight schools, private pilots and law enforcement agencies.

They also have a reputation for crashes, with at least one law firm specializing in Robinson helicopter litigation. Is there something wrong with Robinson helicopters? It’s difficult to compare accident rates in the lightweight helicopter market, because there are few competitors, but accident rates compared to equivalent light fixed wing aircraft like the Cessna 152 and 172 suggest that there is a weak link in the system: the man or woman at the controls.

Better flight training will help, but the real solution may be low-cost and widely implemented stability augmentation systems and, eventually, full autonomy.

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*ABOUT END OF THE LINE:*
Manufacturing veteran James Anderton expresses his compelling and unique opinions about the state of the manufacturing sector and the engineering industry more broadly. He shares his thoughts and insights to help engineering and manufacturing professionals navigate through the challenges of world events, the blending old with new technologies, evolving processes, gaps in skilled labour, in an effort to help maximize productivity of their daily operations. Occasionally, he just likes to vent.

James is a former editor of trade publications in the automotive, metalworking and plastics industries with contributions to a wide range of print and on-line publications. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and manufacturing for a Tier One automotive supplier.

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