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

Regulators in Argentina, the European Union, India, and Japan have approved the improved empennage on all models of the Robinson Helicopter family, including the R22, R44, and R66. The new empennage is standard on new Robinson models (R44 and R66 in Argentina; R44 Raven I and R66 in India; and R22 and R44 in Japan) and includes the symmetrical horizontal stabilizer and tailcone.&nbsp;
According to Robinson Helicopter, the symmetrical horizontal stabilizer improves roll stability, “particularly during high-speed flights, [and] it contributes to a smoother and safer flight experience. Additionally, the symmetrical stabilizer helps reduce the right-rolling tendency when the aircraft is operated outside of the approved flight envelope.”
The empennage is available as a retrofit, and following FAA approval for the R66 in 2023 and R44 and R22 in 2024, Robinson Helicopter has delivered about 250 new helicopters with the new empennage and nearly 700 retrofit kits. Through the end of December 2025, the company is offering a discounted rate of $3,600 for the retrofit kit.&nbsp;
The Torrance, California-based manufacturer has also received FAA approval to extend the service life for R22 and R44 main rotor blades from 12 to 15 years.
In 2025, three new training courses will be available: R66 Transition; Avionics and Autopilot Familiarization; and Post-Maintenance Procedure. The latter will help pilots learn how “to conduct post-maintenance flights safely and effectively.”

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

Robinson Helicopter Symmetrical Stabilizer Acquires Additional Approvals

Operators in Argentina, the EU, India, and Japan can now install the empennage kit

Robinson Helicopter receives more approvals for a symmetrical horizontal stabilizer that the company says improves roll stability.

Robinson Symmetrical Stabilizer Acquires New Approvals

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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 about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing was also conducted by the Air Force

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In this article

Robinson R22 Series

Robinson R44 Series

Robinson R66

Robinson Helicopter Company

More In Rotorcraft

Bahrain Orders Nine Airbus H145 Helicopters for Police

Helicopters will fly for law enforcement and emergency medical operations

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Lithium-ion battery STC expands options for helicopter operators

Helicopter Crew Makes Rescue in Australian Outback

LifeFlight's Mount Isa-based helicopter team rescued the couple and their two dogs

Vita Rescue System Hoist Is Qualified by U.S. Army

Testing was also conducted by the Air Force

Subaru Bell 412EPX Certified by EASA

European operators can now fly the helicopter in EU countries

FAA Revises Human External Cargo Fall Protection Policy

ANSI standards will impose a more uniform framework

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Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

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