ROBINSON’S NEW ERA
cockpit cameras, autopilot, and send it out to our dealer network for sale at prices lower than a new aircraft.” The program calls for more manufacturing
capacity, and Smith is already in the process of hiring and expanding output. Schaffer is also working to increase Robinson’s
training program. The manufacturer recently added a CFI standardization course and is looking to add more offerings, such as advanced R66 transition and advanced maintenance courses with an emphasis on new technologies. The company is also planning to standardize Robinson courses taught around the world with a more Robinson-directed and -resourced approach than has been taken in the past. “We’re going to become a lot more active on
Robinson is working to enable
automotive fuel use in the R44 Raven aircraft, which is
currently approved to use only 100LL.
(VAI/Don Kelsen Photo)
the training side, running it directly, not necessar- ily through as many intermediaries,” Smith says. “For instance, you’ll book your course through Robinson’s website, regardless of where in the world you take the course.” Fulton, formerly of Skyryse and Airbus Helicopters, is Robinson’s most recent hire,
joining the team in September 2024. He’s working with governments on aircraft acquisition. (Most government clients are required to work directly with an OEM rather than with a dealer.) Fulton will focus on providing timely responses to inquiries; bidding; executing small- and large-fleet sales, such as military training aircraft; and expanding Robinson’s markets in government and military arenas. Smith sees Fulton as being instrumental in making government sales and passing along maintenance agreements to the local service centers. Smith has also overseen a culture change
within Robinson. Whereas the leadership style under Frank Robinson leaned toward the auto- cratic, Smith is working to cultivate a more inclu- sive, trusting culture. “Kurt did a really good job of building a more
collaborative, caring culture, but there were still elements of the old heritage, as he didn’t have time to initiate all the change he envisioned,” Smith notes. “We hired collaboration-focused leaders, and we trust our managers. If someone isn’t doing their job, that’s a performance issue
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POWER UP DEC 2024
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