TORRANCE, CA AND OSHKOSH, WIS. – July 14, 2025 – Following two major U.S. disasters in less than 9 months, Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) is collaborating with Operation Helo, a leading humanitarian organization specializing in rapid-response helicopter missions in the United States, at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh to highlight the urgent need for more volunteer helicopter support during large-scale emergencies.

To raise awareness and encourage more volunteers, Robinson Helicopter will support Operation Helo at EAA AirVenture, featuring an Operation Helo x Robinson R44 Raven II on display in the Main Plaza, July 22-27, 2025, where EAA will highlight public benefit flying. This specially marked helicopter will emphasize the vital role of public benefit flying and the necessity for more helicopter pilots to sign up and come to the aid of communities impacted by natural catastrophes.

Earlier this month, Operation Helo took part in America’s latest disaster relief effort along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, featuring a half a dozen volunteer helicopters, including six Robinson aircraft. The lives saved and immediate relief brought to residents underscores the need for more support.

"In the critical hours following a natural disaster, helicopters — especially the agile Robinson helicopters — are often the only way to reach those cut off from the world. Roads are washed out, the infrastructure is down, and every minute counts for those who are trapped and need immediate attention," said Eric Robinson, Executive Director/CEO of Operation Helo. Eric continued on to say, “Working with Robinson Helicopter to bring this co-branded aircraft to Oshkosh highlights this urgent need. Our goal is to sign up dozens more pilots at AirVenture because we know this simple truth: the more awareness we generate, the more pilots we recruit, and the more pilots and aircraft we have, the more lives we can save together."

In March 2025, Robinson Helicopter entered an initial agreement of support for Operation Helo’s disaster relief efforts with much needed parts, service, and flight safety training. Operation Helo has maintained a perfect operational safety record in some of the most challenging mission environments imaginable. Confined area landings and takeoffs in uncontrolled active disaster zones are extremely challenging work, as are slow speed aerial search and rescue missions in congested airspace. Robinson Helicopter is collaborating with Operation Helo to train and prepare their volunteer pilots to save lives while minimizing operational risks.

This collaboration was born in the wake of Hurricane Helene, where Operation Helo spearheaded one of the largest civilian-led helicopter relief efforts in recent U.S. history. Leveraging a network of over 100 helicopters and 200 volunteer pilots, the non-profit organization delivered crucial supplies, including food, medicine, water, diapers, and clothing, and conducted vital search and rescue missions for some of the hardest-hit areas across western North Carolina.

"When disaster strikes, the immediate aftermath can be chaos, and that's when the unique agility and reach of a helicopter becomes absolutely vital to access areas traditional transportation simply cannot reach," said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. David added, “Displaying this co-branded R44 with Operation Helo isn't just about helping to supply an aircraft; it's about amplifying this organization’s safety, visibility and maintain their operations to save lives and truly make a difference when communities are at their most vulnerable. We encourage all helicopter owners to consider joining and supporting this critical cause."

Learn more about Operation Helo at the Humanitarian Aviation Exhibit on the Main Plaza and donate or sign up to be a volunteer pilot to support future relief missions at https://www.operationhelo.org/volunteer.

About Robinson Helicopter Company

For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com.

About Operation Helo

Operation Helo is a humanitarian organization dedicated to delivering rapid-response aid to communities affected by disasters. During Hurricane Helene, Operation Helo led one of the largest civilian-led disaster response efforts, successfully executing over 4,000 missions to deliver millions of pounds of life-saving supplies to the hardest-hit areas. Their teams rescued more than 450 people trapped by floodwaters and destruction, while also deploying 523 Starlink systems to restore communication in isolated regions. Utilizing a vast network of volunteer pilots, veterans, and first responders, Operation Helo continues to conduct critical missions, including evacuations, supply deliveries, and communication restorations, embodying the spirit of hope and resilience.

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Contacts:

Robinson Helicopter Company

Robyn E. Eagles

Robyn.eagles@robinsonheli.com 323-547-5102

Lee-Anne Aranda

lee-anne.aranda@robinsonheli.com 310-539-0508 x294

Operation Helo

Jennipher Harrill

media@operationhelo.org 704-472-4940