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

Nearly 15 years after the R66 received FAA certification, Robinson Helicopter has unveiled significant upgrades to its single-engine turbine helicopter. Now called the R66 NxG, the latest version adds an integrated Garmin avionics suite with autopilot, impact-resistant windshield, and new interior material and exterior paint scheme options.
Two R66 NxG models are on display at Robinson’s Verticon exhibit in Dallas, and buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels: Riviera, Southwood, and Palo Verde.
All new R66 orders starting at Verticon will be for the NxG versions, according to Robinson president and CEO David Smith, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. “It's a relatively straightforward certification,” he said.
A three-axis Garmin autopilot will be standard on the Riviera, a limited edition R66 NxG that can be ordered only during the next 12 months. The Riviera Midnight + Umber interior includes an Alcantara fabric headliner and midnight leather seat covering accented with laser-etched suede inserts.
Flooring is made of a light wood, a new feature for Robinson helicopters. Three new paint colors in a “bold color-block pattern” are available. The first Riviera R66, serial number 1500, is on display this week at Verticon.
The base-level R66 NxG trim is the Southwood edition, with Garmin G500H and 700P/700P TXi displays and two-axis autopilot, impact-resistant windshields, and LED landing lights. Stone or Graphite colors are the available interior choices.
Moving up to the Palo Verde version adds an optional Garmin 1060/700P TXi display and GTN 750 Xi navcom, synthetic vision, GDL 60 datalink, and the two-axis autopilot. Also included as standard with the Palo Verde are sun visors and ambient overhead lighting, with footwell lighting as an option.&nbsp;
The Garmin avionics include engine indication system instrumentation on the TXi displays. The R66 NxG will also have auto engine relight capability, power check recording, and engine data logging.&nbsp;

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

Robinson Upgrades R66 Helicopter with New Safety, Trim Features

R66 NxG features Garmin avionics and autopilots plus interior and exterior changes

Two R66 NxG models are on display at Robinson’s Verticon exhibit in Dallas, and buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels.

Robinson Upgrades R66 with New Safety, Trim Features

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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.

Fireflighting mission is ideal for large rotorcraft nearing the end of their useful lives

First Firefighting Sikorsky S-92 Unveiled at Verticon

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

The engine maker unveiled a new label at Verticon

Safran Designates Optimal Connectivity Providers

Hanneke Weitering

PHI Aviation launched commercial flights with the H160 on March 6

Airbus H160 Helicopter Begins Offshore Operations in Louisiana

Black Diamond Heliaero upgraded the helicopters with Basix Pro avionics

Indonesian Army Receives Six Modernized Bell 412EPs

Agreement expands maintenance coverage for SkyOS buyers

United Rotorcraft To Support Skyryse Modified Helos

The Michigan airframer aims to accommodate all trim tastes

Enstrom Upgrades 480B Product Lineup Options

Charlotte Bailey

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Helicopter has more space and performance, along with a Safran Arrius 2ES engine

Airbus Unveils H140 To Bridge Light Twin Market Gap

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Verticon 2025

In this article

Robinson R66

Robinson Helicopter Company

More In Rotorcraft