Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The FAA has approved extending the service life on 12 Robinson Helicopter R66 helicopter components, doubling their life limits to 4,000 from 2,000 hours. The approval also extends the calendar life for R66 main rotor and tail rotor blades to 15 years from 12 years.
According to Robinson, “This approval, backed by previously approved data and structural testing, will help operators reduce maintenance costs, enhance reliability, lower operating costs by 6%, and reduce hourly reserve for overhauls by 25%.”
The 12 parts covered by the extension include five in the main gearbox, the main and tail rotor drive shafts, horizontal stabilizer, tail rotor guard, upper frame, servo support frame, and pop-out floats stabilizer.&nbsp;
“This is a game-changer for R66 operators,” said Robinson Helicopter president and CEO David Smith. “By reducing the frequency of maintenance intervals, we're making the R66 even more cost-effective and reliable. This reinforces our commitment to providing our customers with the best possible ownership experience. Robinson's dedication to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction is evident in this latest enhancement to the R66.”

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Robinson Doubles Service Life on a Dozen R66 Helicopter Parts

Life extension will lower R66 helicopter operating costs by 6%

The 12 R66 parts covered by the life extension include five in the main gearbox, the main and tail rotor drive shafts, horizontal stabilizer, tail rotor guard, upper frame, servo support frame, and pop-out floats stabilizer. 

Robinson Doubles Service Life on a Dozen R66 Helo Parts

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations 

Singaporean eVTOL Conducts Test Campaign In Germany 

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

FAA Approves TSO for ASU Panoramic Night-vision Goggles

Hanneke Weitering

Proposed rule addresses pilot awareness of control limits

FAA Floats Special Conditions for Skyryse Fly-by-wire R66

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

European Helicopter Association and Vertical Aviation International extended their alliance 

Vertical Lift Groups Extend Trade Show Partnership

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

In this article

Robinson R66

Robinson Helicopter Company

More In Rotorcraft

Singaporean eVTOL Conducts Test Campaign In Germany

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations

FAA Approves TSO for ASU Panoramic Night-vision Goggles

Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

FAA Floats Special Conditions for Skyryse Fly-by-wire R66

Proposed rule addresses pilot awareness of control limits

Vertical Lift Groups Extend Trade Show Partnership

European Helicopter Association and Vertical Aviation International extended their alliance

Sikorsky Is Upgrading the Black Hawk Helicopter for Evolving Military Needs

Armed forces will be able to outfit Black Hawks with new armament and equipment.

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Originally developed for the U.S. military, X2 technology is in search of a new customer.

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Joins fleet of longtime operator of Bell 206s and 412s

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Distributor will use the helicopter to introduce customers to its capabilities

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