Rotorcraft
David Smith Named Robinson Helicopter CEO
Kurt Robinson remains on board and will serve as an advisor
David Smith left, Kurt Robinson, right
(Left) David Smith, new CEO of Robinson Helicopter, and Kurt Robinson.

After more than 40 years with the California helicopter maker founded by his father Frank, Kurt Robinson announced his retirement from Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) this morning at Heli-Expo.

Robinson, 66, spent most of his professional career at the company from its inception, later becoming v-p of operations and formally taking over leadership of the company when the late Frank Robinson retired in 2010. Kurt Robinson is an experienced helicopter pilot and attorney who also holds an MBA. He said he didn’t want to lead the privately-held company anywhere as long as his father, who retired at age 80. He said he planned to remain active in the helicopter industry, offering counsel and primarily dealing with safety issues, and that the company would continue to be privately held.