Frank Robinson founded Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California in 1973. Two years later, he took the prototype R22 on its first flight, a two-seat helicopter he had designed and built. In 1979, the FAA approved its type certificate. Today, the R22 is one of the world's most widely used helicopters. This was followed by the Robinson R44 and R66. Since 1988, Robinson Helicopter Company has been the world's leading manufacturer of civilian helicopters. Robinson received a mechanical engineering degree in 1957 from the University of Washington, then studied advanced aeronautical engineering at the University of Wichita. After graduation, Robinson began his career at Cessna Aircraft Company, working on rotor aircraft. He continued related work at Umbaugh Aircraft, McCulloch Motor Company, Kaman Aircraft and Bell Helicopter. He had earned a reputation as a tail rotor expert, and in 1969, moved to Hughes Helicopter, designing the tail rotor for the Hughes 500 and working on the quiet helicopter program, before leaving to form his own company.. During the mid-1980s, Robinson began development of the four-seat R44 helicopter, which first flew in 1990. As the R44 grew in popularity, Robinson expanded the product line to include the Newscopter, and a specially equipped police helicopter. In 2002, the Raven II was introduced, a R44 with a fuel-injected engine, which quickly became the company's best selling helicopter. Preliminary designs for a five-place turbine helicopter began in 2001, the R66 Turbine, which received FAA certification in 2010. Robinson was very concerned about helicopter safety and lobbied the FAA to quadruple the training hours required to earn an instructor's license, as well as double the hours before a pilot soloed. He also began a safety course, which became the standard for helicopter training. Among his many honors, Robinson is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, a Fellow of the American Helicopter Society and recipient of the Daniel Guggenheim Medal.
Inducted in 2009.
Portrait Location: Hall of Fame Hallway

Induction Video