VAI honors Frank Robinson’s induction into hall of fame Robinson Helicopter founder honored for impact on civil aviation. Alexandria, Virginia (Sep. 18, 2025) — Vertical Aviation International (VAI) celebrates the late Frank Robinson, founder of Robinson Helicopter Company, on his induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Robinson, who passed away in 2022 at age 92, left behind an enduring legacy of engineering excellence, entrepreneurship, and innovation that continues to influence the vertical aviation community. He will be honored during the 61st Enshrinement Ceremonies Sep. 19 in Wichita, Kansas. Robinson’s vision to create accessible, practical, and dependable rotorcraft led to the development of the R22, R44, and R66 helicopters. Robinson Helicopter Company has become the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, delivering thousands of aircraft to operators across the globe. For decades, the R44 has been the world’s best-selling civil rotorcraft. “Frank Robinson’s legacy is seen in every flight of the R22, R44, and R66,” says Rick Kenin, chairman of the VAI Board of Directors and COO of transport for Boston MedFlight, an air ambulance operator in the US Northeast. “His work greatly expanded helicopter training and overall access to helicopters, enabling smaller companies and private owners to leverage the capabilities of vertical flight. His enshrinement into the National Aviation Hall of Fame ensures that his contributions will be remembered alongside the greatest names in aviation history.” Since 1962, the National Aviation Hall of Fame has inducted more than 200 air and space pioneers, including Orville and Wilbur Wright, Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, and Lawrence Bell. This distinguished group, whose achievements have shaped aviation’s past and future, now includes Robinson, the first honoree from the civil vertical aviation industry. Vertical Aviation International (VAI), formerly Helicopter Association International (HAI), is the world’s leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation industry, which encompasses all aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing. Throughout its 76 years of fueling industry growth through connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for its members’ success, VAI has leveraged the power of vertical flight to strengthen communities worldwide. The association welcomes all facets of the vertical aviation industry, including manufacturers, operators, suppliers and vendors, pilots and maintenance technicians, and other aviation professionals. For more information about VAI, please visit: https://verticalavi.org.
