A True Legend Takes A Well-Deserved Retirement

To the rotorcraft industry, he's been a legend... and to those of us at ANN who have been privileged to call him a friend, we take this announcement with bittersweet feelings. There is NO DOUBT that a large part of today's helicopter industry would simply not exist without the genius and inspiration of Frank Robinson, but we are pleased to see his legacy passed to such capable and proper hands.

Frank Robinson, founder of Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), officially announced on August 10, 2010 that he has resigned as President and Chairman of the Board. 

Robinson intended to retire on his 80th birthday in January, 2010 but elected to postpone his retirement until the design of the R66 Turbine was complete. With R66 production underway and FAA certification imminent, Robinson decided to make his retirement official. Kurt Robinson was elected by the Board of Directors to assume the positions of President and Chairman on August 10, 2010.

Kurt and Frank Robinson

RHC's upper management team remains in place and the Company does not anticipate any significant changes.  Frank Robinson founded the Torrance, California company in 1973 and without question has been the driving force behind its success. Robinson Helicopter currently manufactures more civilian helicopters than any other helicopter manufacturer in the world. 

Kurt Robinson, who started at the Company in 1987, stated that "while there is no one person that can replace Frank, we have a very strong team of managers that have been with the Company for more than 20 years. We are looking forward to a smooth transition and an exciting future."    

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com, Aero-TV: As The Rotor Turns -- Frank Robinson Looks To The Future, Aero-TV: The R66 Turbine - Robinson's New Five-Seat Helicopter