Robinson Helicopter celebrated delivering its 12,000 aircraft in December last year.
Robinson R66 S/N 0763 rolled off the production line in Torrence, California, on 23 December. “A nice way to end the year,” said Robinson President, Kurt Robinson.
The helicopter is bound for South African dealer Hover Dynamics, and will then be delivered to a new charter and tour operator, Fly Karoo Air Services, operating in the area of Graaff-Reinet.
The R66 is becoming more popular with operators because of its turbine engine, quieter cabin, large baggage compartment, and lower operating costs than comparable turbine helicopters.
Robinson Helicopter was founded in 1973, with the first two-place R22 delivered in 1979, the first four-place R44 in 1993 and the first five-place R66 turbine in 2010.
Most recently, Robinson introduced the two-place R44 Cadet, which is configured specifically for training.
More information on the 12,000th Robinson is on the Robinson Helicopter website.