Robinson Unveils the Future of Helicopters

Good morning! The fifth-ever Flybuyer airplane review is now live! This time, I had the incredible opportunity to review a Kodiak 100 flown as an “air attack” platform by Bridger Aerospace. I put a ton of work into this one—if you have a moment, I’d love for you to check it out and subscribe to the new Flybuyer YouTube channel. Your support means the world! 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Robinson’s Bold New R88 Helicopter

• Another Airplane Crash: 5 Survive Near-Disaster

• Around the Skies: eVTOLs hit financial turbulence, Flight school sparks controversy, Another fiery failure for SpaceX, NTSB probes Learjet crash, Legal consequences for Alaska laser incident, JetZero’s game-changing aircraft

• PilotTube: Seaplane Thrills and A-Frame Chills

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

The Robinson R88 Is Here (And It’s a Game-Changer!)

Robinson Helicopter Company has unveiled the R88, its largest and most ambitious helicopter yet, featuring a clean-sheet design with a single-engine turbine capable of twin-engine performance. With space for up to eight passengers and a 3,000-pound external load capacity, the R88 is designed for aerial firefighting, air medical transport and utility work. Powered by a Safran Arriel 2W engine and equipped with a Garmin avionics suite, the helicopter is expected to fly as early as this year with certification targeted later in the decade.

Built for efficiency and versatility, the R88 retains Robinson’s signature two-blade rotor system but introduces a more conventional dual cyclic control for better handling. It boasts features like impact-resistant windshields, a fold-down rear door for easy medevac loading and optional IFR capability. Buyers can also opt for high skids, a firefighting water tank and pop-out floats, making it one of the most adaptable helicopters in Robinson’s lineup.

With a range of over 350 nautical miles and an endurance exceeding three and a half hours, the R88 aims to compete with larger twin-engine helicopters while maintaining Robinson’s reputation for affordability and reliability. The company has already opened its order book with a starting price of $3.3 million and is banking on the R88 to attract new customers.

Bonanza Crash Shakes Lancaster, PA

Five people walked away from a fiery crash after their turboprop-converted Beechcraft Bonanza went down in a retirement community parking lot near the Lancaster Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported an open door and requested to return, but the aircraft never made it back to the runway. Instead, it crashed into the lot, sparking a fire that consumed the cabin. While the plane was destroyed, no one on the ground was hurt, though several parked cars became unintended casualties.

Strong winds, gusting up to 30 knots, may have made the situation even more challenging. The aircraft, fitted with a Soloy Tradewinds turboprop conversion, was registered to a Mannheim Pennsylvania LLC. The conditions of the five injured occupants were not immediately released, but all survived the ordeal. The FAA is investigating the crash, adding yet another lesson to the long list of why open doors and airplanes do not mix.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ The eVTOL industry is losing momentum as financial struggles push Lilium, Volocopter, and Airbus to pause their air taxi plans. Meanwhile, Joby and Archer continue moving forward, with Joby leading the pack thanks to nearly $1 billion in reserves and strong support from Toyota. Regulatory challenges and shifting FAA priorities could slow progress, but experts say that in 2025, no setbacks might be the best sign of stability.

🛩️ Rainier Flight Service’s move to Boeing Field has sparked backlash from over 100 aircraft owners on the tie-down waitlist after the school secured 12 spots. The relocation came after Renton Municipal Airport declined to maintain Rainier’s former facility, prompting King County to prioritize flight training as the “best and highest use” of space. While private owners feel overlooked, AOPA asserts the decision follows FAA policy, even if it is not a popular one.

🛩️ SpaceX’s latest Starship launch ended in another fiery spectacle as the rocket spun out of control nine minutes into flight. While the booster landed successfully, Starship experienced a “rapid unscheduled disassembly,” with debris spotted as far as Miami. The FAA has ordered an investigation, but SpaceX remains optimistic, treating each explosion as just another step in the learning process.

🛩️ The NTSB is investigating a Learjet 35A crash in Scottsdale, where faulty landing gear led to a fatal collision with a parked Gulfstream. Video showed the left gear was not locked, causing the jet to veer off the runway. The crew gave no warning of an issue, but investigators found mechanical faults and excessive grease.

🛩️ An Alaska woman was sentenced to three years of probation for shining a high-powered laser at military helicopters during a U.S.-Canadian operation. When questioned, she admitted to the act, arguing the aircraft had no right to fly over her cabin. The laser, strong enough to cause eye damage, temporarily injured Canadian aircrew members but caused no lasting harm.

🛩️ Delta Airlines is partnering with JetZero to develop a futuristic blended-wing-body aircraft that’s 50 percent more fuel efficient. Backed by a $235 million Air Force contract, the jet is set to fly in 2027 and supports Delta’s net-zero goal by 2050. With reduced drag, increased lift and compatibility with existing airports, this innovative design could redefine the look and efficiency of commercial aviation.

PilotTube

A weekend trip to Beaver Creek, Maine, turned into an unforgettable aviation adventure filled with camaraderie, laughter and incredible flying. Pilots from across the East Coast came together to swap stories, capture stunning aerial shots and enjoy the thrill of flight. From floatplanes landing on the water to iconic yellow Beavers soaring overhead, the energy was contagious. This video is a perfect reminder that aviation is not just about flying, it is about the people who make it extraordinary.

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