Story ID: 
Robinson Discounts R66 Stabilizer Kit 
By: Mark Huber
Caption: R66 horizontal stabilizer kit priced at $3,600
Word Count: 199
Robinson Helicopters will offer its new symmetrical horizontal stabilizer as a retrofit for its R66 single turbine at a discounted price of $3,600 between now and the end of next year. The retrofit kit is currently available for installation on R66s with the exception of those registered in EASA member states, China, Israel, Japan, UK, Russia, and some CIS states.
The stabilizer assembly is supplied unpainted with primer only. An extra charge of $375 to $750, depending on color, applies to those that are ordered factory-painted. Robinson estimates that the installation will take eight labor hours.
Robinson received FAA approval for an improved empennage on its R66, including the new stabilizer, in September, and foreign validations are ongoing. It is mounted on the tailcone a little farther from the tail rotor than the original, providing enhanced roll stability during high-speed flight, according to the company.
It also has a 4,000-hour TBO—double that of the original horizontal stabilizer. The new configuration is standard on all new-production R66s beginning with S/N 1279. Robinson stressed that the improved stabilizer does not alter the aircraft’s approved flight envelope, including prohibitions on low-G maneuvers.