I wrote the following article in 2003 for Rotor & Wing magazine. It created quite a bit of controversy, both pro and con, when published and, in fact, I still get a question every now and again regarding it. This turbine engine reliability “myth” was a big point for us at Robinson throughout the 80s, 90s and early 2000s but it seems some people are just addicted to the smell of burning jet fuel. Using the old “If you can’t beat’m, join’m” argument, the turbine-powered R66 was development and certified in 2010, so this discussion took a back seat. However, I still believe the underlying principle of the reliability of Robinson’s derated piston engines is as valid today as it was in 2003.
Tim Tucker
January 2019
