PH-HEW Robinson R44 Clipper I c/n 0785 - Helicon - Lelystad airfield in Holland - 29 October 2005

The Robinson R44 Astro is a single-engined light utility helicopter for up to 1 crew and 3 passengers, powered by a Lycoming O-540-F1B5 engine. The Robinson R44 is built by the Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California. Development of the Model R44 began in 1985. The first prototype flew on 31 March 1990 and the second in January 1991. Sales efforts got under way in March 1992 at a base price of 235.000 US-Dollars. FAA Type Certification for the R44 Astro was achieved on 10 December 1992, and the first Robinson R44 Astro was delivered in February 1993. In 2000, the R44 Astro was replaced as the main production model by the R44 Raven with adjustable pedals and standard hydraulic controls. Today the four-seat Model R44 is the world's most popular helicopter of which already over 3600 are delivered to customers all over the world.

On 16 June 2000, the 2000-built Robinson R44 Clipper I c/n 0785 was registered PH-HEW with Helico bvba in Meer, Belgium. On 19 November 2000, the PH-WRF was registered with Helicon BV in the Netherlands. Helicon BV was located at Teuge airfield. Helicon moved first to Lelystad airport and is today located at their own heliport in Bergen op Zoom.