Zakopane 14-08-2024
Robinson R44 Raven I light helicopter.
The success of the Robinson R22 helicopter led Robinson Helicopter Company to decide to build a larger helicopter for 4 people. The R44 helicopter made its first flight on March 31, 1990. The helicopter received FAA certification in December 1992. Serial production began in 1993. The R44 helicopter has been the world’s best-selling general aviation (GA) helicopter since 1999. A total of 5,941 R44 helicopters were built between 2001 and 2020. By the end of 2023, 6,866 Robinson helicopters of all versions had been built.
The R44 helicopter is based on the R22 helicopter design. One interesting fact is that the direction of the tail rotor movement has been changed compared to the R22 to improve yaw control. The R44 helicopter is powered by a Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5, 6-cylinder, opposed-cylinder engine with an output of 183 kW (248.81 hp). Several modifications were made during production. In July 2002, the Robinson Raven II helicopter was introduced, which features a more advanced fuel-injected engine and wider rotor blades, which allows for increased gross weight and ceiling.
The Robinson Helicopter Company also developed the R66 helicopter, which is powered by a turbine engine. The helicopter carries 5 people.
Robinson R44 design.
The Robinson R44 is a four-seat light helicopter manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company since 1993. The design is based on the two-seat Robinson R22. The R44 helicopter is equipped with hydraulic power steering. The R44 helicopter is a single-engine helicopter with a semi-rigid two-blade main rotor, a two-blade tail rotor and a skid landing gear. The machine has an enclosed cabin with two rows of side-by-side seats for the pilot and three passengers. In July 2002, Robinson introduced the R44 Raven II, equipped with a more powerful fuel-injected engine and wider blades, which allowed for a higher gross weight and better performance at altitude.
T-T Robinson R44 data:
Rotor diameter 33 ft (10 m). Length 38 ft 3 in (11.66 m). Height 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m). Tail rotor diameter 3 ft 6 in (1.1 m). Empty weight 1,505 lb (683 kg). Takeoff weight 2,500 lb (1,134 kg). Helicopter payload 683 kg. Maximum speed 130 kn (150 mph, 240 km/h). Cruise speed 109 kn (125 mph, 185-202 km/h). Practical ceiling 14,000 ft (4,300 m). Maximum range 300 nmi (350 mi, 560 km). Fuel capacity 31.6 US gal (26 imp gal; 120 l). Fuel 100 octane low lead (100LL) fuel or 100/130 octane. Fuel consumption 15 gallons per hour (12 imp gal/h; 57-65 l/h. Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 6-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 245 hp (183 kW).
Robinson R44 Raven I SP-HPE.
Robinson R44 Raven I SP-HPE, Serial No. 2685. Production in 2022. The price of the helicopter in 2024 was USD 460,000. Operator: Helipoland.
Avionics; 6-Hole (Standard) Panel. Digital Artifcial Horizon with LCD and Slip Skid. Quartz Clock (Standard). Millibar Altimeter (Exchange). Vertical Card Compass (Exchange). Vertical Speed Indicator (Standard). COM 1 (Garmin GTR 225B). COM 2 (Garmin GTR 225B). Audio Controller Garmin GMA 350 Hc. Garmin GTX 335 transponder. Transponder with ADS-B Out.
Equipment; Base Color: White (l0774). Trim Color: Arista Blue (764838) Logo. Seat Fabric & Color: Charcoal Velour. Tinted Windshield (Standard). Standard Doors, Tinted Windows (Standard). Engine Priming System. Upper Sheave Standard. Cold Weather Spindle Boots. Kannad 406 Integra AF-406 MHz ELT. Bose A20 Headset x 2Cockpit Video Camera, 4K Ultra HDForward Accessory Bars and USB Ports x 2Fire Extinguisher.
Sightseeing flights by helicopter.
Sightseeing flights in the Tatras are organized as standard from the landing site of the Hotel Bukovina, ul. Sportowa 22, 34-530, Bukowina Tatrzańska. Due to Polish regulations on flights over restricted zones, sightseeing flights are not possible directly over the Tatra National Park. Flights around the Tatras, at the height of the highest mountains, are permitted. In favorable weather, all these attractions can be seen in a 30-minute flight with the Helipoland operator. The R.44 helicopter takes on board up to 3 passengers (adults) + pilot. The flight must be booked a week in advance. The weather in the Tatras is changeable, so changes to dates or, in extreme cases, cancellation of the flight are possible on the day of the planned flight. The final route of the sightseeing flight is taken by the pilot in consultation with the passengers. The following are taken into account: weather stability, wind force, air clarity. Safety first.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman