Robinson Helicopter Company Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, the Robinson Helicopter Company produced top-quality, affordable, reliable helicopters. Its first model, the R22, was introduced in 1979. It gained popularity for its simplicity, affordability, and ease of maintenance. Catering to private owners and flight schools, the R22 continued to rise in popularity. Because of this, the 4-seat R44 Raven I launched in 1992 and evolved into the enhanced R44 Raven II with improved performance capabilities. In 2010, the [...]

Only about 44% of students succeed in earning their student pilot certificates. But why? In addition to lifestyle challenges, becoming a private pilot is a journey that not all students are prepared to take. On one hand, it’s exciting to pass on the love for aviation to younger generations. The knowledge, skills, and experiences of respected pilots are unmatched – even in a world seemingly obsessed with AI. To clarify, a student pilot certificate only allows you to [...]

What happens to your aircraft in a divorce? Pilots and aircraft owners may think more often about preparing their aircraft in the event of an emergency or an untimely death. However, many aircraft owners consistently do not cover all their bases when it comes to a certain life event. Including your aircraft in your will or estate plan should take into account every possible thing like a potential divorce. You follow other procedures and checks while maintaining records [...]

Most people don’t immediately associate estate planning with aircraft ownership. But there are a few reasons to include your aircraft in your estate plans – especially if you also own a business. Have you asked yourself questions like… Is anyone in my family interested in aviation? Do I want to prevent my aircraft from rotting in an unattended airfield? Is my aircraft capable of having another life after me? What are the options for my plane if something [...]

Piper Aircraft Piper Aircraft began fine-tuning a more aerodynamic aircraft design in the early 1920s. Made popular by the Spirit of St. Louis, their initial monoplane made the first successful non-stop transatlantic flight. After seeing it capable of flying from New York to Paris across the Atlantic, everyone wanted to try and copy its design to garner the same success. Gordon and C. Gilbert Taylor teamed up to create their own version under Taylor Brothers Aircraft Company. However, [...]

Bombardier Aviation Before Learjet entered aviation, its roots were planted in the newly established snowmobile industry. After building a snow vehicle at the age of 15, Joseph-Armand Bombardier simply wanted travel to be easier for the citizens of rural Québec, Canada. By 1937, Joseph successfully launched a 7-passenger B7 snowmobile for commercial sale. Five years after launching the B7, he founded L’Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée, which produced snowmobiles into the 1960s. Laurent Beaudoin, the founder’s son-in-law, became President of [...]

Private jet ownership can seemingly transcend you into another world with beautiful 40,000-foot views. However, there are potential legal issues for pre-owned aircraft that you should know about before you buy. If you’re like other pilots and aviation enthusiasts, you’ve likely dreamed of owning one or multiple private aircraft. If you’re a long-time aircraft owner, going over these potential legal issues is hopefully a simple refresher for information you already know. As mentioned, private jet ownership can be [...]

Before you shop around for an airplane or jet, you need to know how all 4 elements decrease aircraft value. It’s been said before that an aircraft deal that looks way too good to be true likely is, so it’s critical to do your research before making any quick decisions – especially in a hot market. You should have an aircraft that has even the smallest amount of damage due to earth, air, fire, or water appraised by [...]

Cessna By Textron Aviation After Clyde V. Cessna attended an aircraft show in 1911, he became inspired to build aircraft. He built his first aircraft with a kit from Queens Airplane Company in the Bronx. With previous experience as a mechanic and car salesman, he became a fairly proficient pilot with practice. In 1916, Clyde gained access to a rent-free space with one condition – the new aircraft must be named after a particular car model called “Jones-Six". [...]

Beechcraft Aircraft Founded in in Wichita, Kansas in 1932, the Beech Aircraft Corporation fired up during the Great Depression and right before World War II began. Founder and President, Walter Beech, led until he passed unexpectedly in 1950. It was then up to his wife Olive Ann Beech to transform from the company’s secretary and treasurer to President. Olive remained President of Beechcraft for 18 years, officially retiring in 1982. The Model 17 Staggerwing in its earlier years [...]