Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the R22’s first flight, the pioneer of civil helicopters. “The R22 was Frank Robinson’s dream to make rotary-wing flight accessible for the average person,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “Fifty years ago, the R22 didn’t just take its first flight; it created a legacy that has empowered generations of pilots and operators around the world, and we continue to honor its lasting impact and the role it plays in the global helic