Robbie - The Robinson Helicopter Experience

From the snow covered mountains and glaciers of Alaska, and the rich red earth of Australia's central desert, to Cambodia's ancient jungle shrouded ruins, 'Robbie' is a stunning look at how the Robinson helicopter has altered the face of aerial tourism and commercial charter operations. Aviation photographer Jon Davison traveled around the planet seeking pilots who have followed their dream of owning and operating their own helicopter. His stunning images, coupled with their own captivating, often humorous and illuminating stories, portray people who have been driven by their passion to reveal some of the world's most spectacular natural environments. Prior to the late 1980s, the concept of anyone wanting to own and operate their own scenic flight company or charter operation, and who were not millionaires, was just a wild fantasy, especially for the average person in the street. The buyin and subsequent operating costs of owning helicopters at the time were simply too great, and without a hefty amount of financial backing, it was simply out of the question. Since the mid 1980s the family of Robinson helicopters - starting with the R22 and later the R44 has changed the face of aviation, to the point where anyone with a spare half a million dollars can buy a four seat helicopter and start their own charter, or scenic flight operation, or even open a flight training school. It was a dream of Frank Robinson, to be able to produce a small, fast, economical helicopter, one that could be purchased for about an eighth of what was currently then available. Since that time, the wonders of our planet, with sights that could only really be appreciated through an aerial perspective are now available in almost every country. This book portrays fifteen people who followed their dream to show the world their own backyard. From operating flights over the Hawaiian volcanoes, or helimustering in Australia's outback, to Lord of the Rings tours over the rugged New Zealand's Alps, these people love where they live, and they love their work, with an equal passion. They just happen to all do it in Robinson helicopters...