Robinson R22

The Robinson R22 is a two-seat, two-bladed, single-engine light utility helicopter manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company. It was designed in 1973 by Frank Robinson, and has been in production since 1979.

The majority of flight testing was performed at Zamperini Field in Torrance, California. Flight testing and certification was performed in the late 1970s by test pilot Joseph John "Tym" Tymczyszyn and the R22 received FAA certification in March 1979. Due to relatively low acquisition and operating costs, the R22 has been popular as a primary rotorcraft trainer around the world and as a livestock management tool on large ranches in North America and cattle stations in Australia.

The R22 has a very low inertia rotor system and the control inputs are operated directly by push rods with no hydraulic assistance. Thus its flight controls very sensitive and require a light touch to avoid over-correction, and students who master an R22 are usually well prepared to transition to heavier helicopters. Due to the specific training required by the low inertia rotor system and a teetering main rotor, operation of the Robinson R22 or R44 in the US requires a special endorsement by a certified flight instructor. Tip weights were added to the R22 to increase rotor inertia, but the small rotor limits weight.