FRANK D. ROBINSON

In the early 1970s, an engineer wanted to build a small two-seat personal helicopter. In 1973, he left his job at Hughes Aircraft and started to engineer his dream helicopter in his home. His living room was set up with drafting tables and the garage was full of tools and machining equipment. After seven and a half years of designing, building, and testing, Frank Robinson received FAA certification on his R22 Helicopter. Recently the Robinson R66 turbine, five-place helicopter received certification. This masterful engineer delivered over 10,000 helicopters before retiring last year. His son, Kurt, has taken over the helm of Robinson Helicopter Company.