“Tucker Has Probably Done More For Helicopter Safety Than Any Man Alive”

A familiar face and well-known instructor at Robinson Helicopter’s safety course, Tim Tucker is the latest recipient of the prestigious Cumberbatch Trophy. First awarded in 1936, the trophy is given yearly by the Honorable Company of Air Pilots, formerly the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators. The 2021 award was handed over in their 600 year-old London Guildhall. 

Robinson Helicopters’ founder Frank Robinson noted many early purchases to come from less-experienced pilots, leaving a decided gap in affordable education in the most dangerous phases of ownership and flight training. Tim Tucker purchased his first Robinson R22, serial number 003, for his helicopter flight school, and was almost immediately appointed by Frank to run his fledgling flight school. Now, 35 years later, the Robinson Factory 4-day Safety Course has seen nearly 20,000 attendees, with multiple tours around the world, teaching in 35 countries. 

One former student twice over says Tucker has been instrumental to the establishment of safety standards in the Robinson Series. “Tim has turned the course into the gold standard in the field. He has a well-practiced knack of hitting the nail on the head and making the ‘student’ think deeply about why you do what you do”.

Similar praise from one industry figurehead was heard upon the nomination: “Tim Tucker has probably done more for helicopter safety than any man alive. He has mentored with compassion every junior pilot he has ever met”. 

Tucker’s contributions outside the classroom are plentiful, as well. He has authored numerous articles and books on safety, received four FAA Certificates of Recognition, and been instrumental in promoting the Vuichard technique for Vortex Ring recovery. Helicopter safety enthusiasts can see more of his content on his website, Tim Tucker’s Helicopter World. 

FMI: www.timtuckershelicopterworld.com, www.Robinsonheli.com