Rotorcraft
FAA Approves Improved Empennage for Robinson R66
New R66 horizontal stabilizer improves roll stability
A Robinson R66 helicopter is pictured in flight.
(Photo: Robinson Helicopter Company)

Robinson Helicopter has received FAA approval for an improved empennage on its R66 single-engine turbine helicopter. According to the company, the new symmetrical horizontal stabilizer is mounted on the tailcone a little farther from the tail rotor than the original, providing enhanced roll stability during high-speed flight. It also has a 4,000-hour TBO—double that of the original horizontal stabilizer.

This configuration is standard on all new-production R66s beginning with S/N 1279. Robinson Helicopter said it is working with civil airworthiness authorities worldwide to obtain foreign validations and, once received, R66s destined for those markets will be delivered with the improved stabilizer.

Loading…