Australian Robinson Helicopter Numbers in January 2021
According to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) data, current to 24 Jan 2021, the Australian helicopter fleet numbers 2,338. This makes Australia the fourth largest helicopter operator in the world. The Robinson Helicopter Company dominates the Australian register with 1,239 machines, or 52% of all helicopter registrations.
Looking back to 30 Jun 2020, the CASA Annual Report stated the Australian helicopter register had 2,335 listed. The fleet then consisted of 1,338 single engine piston and 628 single engine turbine helicopters. Multiengine machines below 5,700 kg totalled 185 and the heavier twin engine rotorcraft above 5,700 kg were 81. Amateur built were shown as 103.
It appears the Australian register has only increased by three helicopters over seven months, effectively a continuation of an almost zero growth over the past eighteen months. By comparison, the general aviation aeroplane listings are still in a negative growth situation.
Due to increasing demand for cattle as shown by current firm prices, strong export orders and the widespread heavy rain in most drought areas indicates a busy year for the mustering industry. But the COVID-19 concessions for check and training are now about to expire. Both industry and the regulator have warned of a possible pilot shortage (and technical staff) as we enter the 2021 mustering season. These shortages will be caused, in part, by the training industry being not able to requalify the workforce in sufficient time to cope with the rural industry and the expansion of our tourist activities in remote areas.
Robinson Helicopter Fleet – Update January 2021. Robinson R22 and R44 piston engine numbers make up 85% of the Australian piston fleet. A very large percentage of the Robinson fleet are used for cattle mustering in northern regions of Australia. Federal statistics state the mustering fleet probably logs more hours than all other operations combined. Mustering operations create jobs for many of the 4,400 licensed helicopter pilots in Australia.
Data current to 24 Jan 2021 shows Robinson registrations make up 1,238 of the 2,388 helicopters (52%).
Robinson R22 models. R22 – 11, R22A – 4, R22B – 615 and R22M – 9. A total of 639.
Robinson R44 models. R44 – 332 and R44 II – 236. A total R44 = 568.
Robinson R66 models. There are 32 on the register.
Registrations by state and territories
Robinson R22 (639). ACT – Nil, NSW – 86, NT – 107, QLD – 299, SA – 7, TAS – Nil, VIC – 14 and WA – 126.
Robinson R44 (568). ACT – 4, NSW – 131, NT – 62, QLD – 193, SA – 17, TAS – 9, VIC – 85 and
WA – 67.
This data has been shared by Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific e-News. They are currently assisting others with the provision of Robinson Safety Courses to areas needing of refresher and currency training. The new courses have been upgraded to cover single pilot CRM (Human Factors) applicable to wire avoidance in low level operations. More info: Editor +61 (0) 415 641 774. Brisbane time UTC+10