Learning Center Our Enshrinees

Frank Robinson

• Founder of Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) in 1973, where he designed and built the world-renowned R22 and R44 helicopters, setting a new global standard for affordable, efficient rotorcraft.
• Began his aviation career at Cessna Aircraft Company and went on to work with Umbaugh, McCulloch, Kaman, and Hughes Helicopters, contributing to advancements in rotorcraft design and “quiet helicopter” technology.
• Designed the R22, which became the top-selling civil helicopter worldwide after earning FAA certification in 1979, holding every world record in its weight class for speed, distance, and altitude.
• Led the development of the R44, certified in 1992, which quickly surpassed the R22 in global popularity and cemented RHC’s reputation as a leader in civil helicopter manufacturing.
• Under his leadership, RHC became the largest producer of civil helicopters in the world, with aircraft operating in more than 40 countries.
• Honored with numerous industry awards, including the Dr. Alexander Klemin Award, Aviation Week & Space Technology Laurels Award, and the Society of Experimental Test Pilots Doolittle Award for his groundbreaking achievements in rotary-wing aeronautics.