Story ID: 627Robinson
Robinson Delivers First R44 Cadets
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Company announced the helicopter earlier this year and has previously delivered models to customers in Australia.
Word Count: 347
Robinson Helicopter (indoor static) delivered its first two R44 Cadets to a U.S. customer earlier this month, Garland, Texas-based Sky Helicopters. The Part 141 flight school and Robinson dealer took delivery of two IFR-equipped Cadets that included fully integrated glass cockpits with the Garmin G500H system, GTN 750 GPS/com navigator, GTX 345 transponder with ADS-B OUT/IN, Bluetooth, the Genesys Aerosystems' HeliSAS autopilot, Spidertracks real-time tracking and air conditioning.

Robinson announced the Cadet earlier this year and has previously delivered models to customers in Australia. The two-seat Cadet features increased performance margins, a 2,400-hour TBO and a base price of $339,000 or $367,000 with floats.

The Garmin G500H avionics system is a new option on R44s, including the Cadet. Previously available only on the R66 Turbine, the G500H system is a combination primary flight display and multifunction display, which provides flight instrumentation and moving map navigation on dual screens. The G500H system screens are centered in a newly designed instrument panel that also includes traditional instruments. A Garmin GTN 650 or 750 touchscreen navigator is required with the G500H and sits just below the displays within easy reach of either pilot seat. The list price for the G500H system is $35,700, not including the required GTN navigator.

Meanwhile, the FAA recently approved Garmin’s $3,900 GTX 335 and 345 Mode S transponders for use in Robinson R22, R44 and R66 models to satisfy ADS-B OUT regulations without requiring a standalone GPS; the $6,300 GTX 345 adds ADS-B IN and Bluetooth capability. Garmin's GMA 350H audio panel has been replaced with the new $2,750 Garmin GMA 350Hc. The latter adds Bluetooth wireless connectivity for mobile and compatible portable devices, allowing wireless distribution of music or telephone audio through the aircraft’s audio panel.

Robinson delivered R44 Raven II S/N 14000 on July 29, 2016, bringing the total Raven II fleet to 4,000 and the total R44 fleet to 6,440. Since its introduction in 2002, the fuel-injected Raven II has been Robinson's best seller with an average annual production rate of 280. Currently, Raven IIs operate in more than 60 countries.