HANGAR TALK Industry news relevant to your business


Robinson Helicopter Company Mourns the Loss of Longtime Head of Engineering and Board Member, Pete Riedl


Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) is saddened to share the passing of Pete Riedl, a pivotal figure in the company’s history. Riedl was a longtime engineering veteran and valued member of the RHC board of directors. Riedl passed away peacefully on Jan. 28, 2025, surrounded by his family.


Riedl dedicated nearly 40 years to RHC, including 20 years as vice president of engineering, and his contributions to the company and the aviation industry are beyond significant. He played a crucial role in shaping every RHC product, past present and future – leaving his mark on every helicopter the company produces.


“Pete understood that safety and simplicity go hand in hand, not just in the design, but in how people interact with our helicopters. He instilled that


30 Jan/Feb 2025


understanding in our team, and it’s a legacy we’re honored to carry forward,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “Pete’s legacy isn’t just in the helicopters he designed, but in the opportunities he created. He helped make flight accessible to a wider audience, supporting the livelihoods of countless individuals and shaping the future of general aviation. His mark is indelible.”


Hired by Frank Robinson on Feb. 3, 1986, Riedl was recruited as a young aspiring engineer to lead the design and testing of the R44, the most-produced civil helicopter in the world. Following the success of the R44, Riedl drove the development of the R66, the company’s first turbine aircraft. He oversaw complex engineering


projects and developed


key aspects of RHC helicopters that contributed to the company’s growth and success. His mentorship inspired generations of RHC engineers both at Robinson and beyond.


Riedl’s influence on Robinson Helicopter Company will be felt for years to come.


Kurt Robinson, the former president and CEO of RHC and son of Frank Robinson, worked alongside Riedl for most of his career. “Pete was a brilliant engineer, leader, and a friend,” Robinson said. “Throughout his career, Pete worked tirelessly on behalf of RHC and the aviation industry with regulatory agencies worldwide to enhance and improve helicopter design and flight regulations. His efforts have and will continue to make our industry safer.”


Prior to Riedl’s partial retirement in 2024 and transition to the Board of Directors, he commented, “Robinson has been more than a job, but a family for more than three decades. It has been a pleasure being a part of the Robinson legacy and do what I love, day in and day out.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92