The Southern California Aeronautic Association (SCAA) has added Frank Robinson to the distinguished ranks of major aerospace leaders to receive its renowned Howard Hughes Memorial Award (HHMA).

Robinson was selected for his “significant contributions to the advancement of aviation or space technology.” Robinson, sometimes referred to as “the Henry Ford of helicopters,” is the 26th Howard Hughes Memorial Award recipient. He received his HHMA medallion from 2001 Award Recipient, Sam Iacobellis, during a gala reception and dinner at the exclusive Jonathan Club in Los Angeles. Last year’s winner, Neil Armstrong, expressed congratulations calling Robinson “an accomplished engineer” and “an exceptional entrepreneur, building a company from nothing to a position of preeminence in its field.”

Past HHMA recipients - a veritable "Hall of Fame" of industry achievers - include many familiar names such as Jack Northrop, Jimmy Doolittle, Kelly Johnson, Chuck Yeager, Barry Goldwater Sr, Pete Conrad, Jack Real, Sam Iacobellis, and Neil Armstrong.

Robinson began his helicopter career in 1957 working on Cessna’s CH-1 Skyhook helicopter and worked at several other rotorcraft firms including McCulloch, Kaman, Bell, and Hughes Helicopter. In 1973, unable to interest any of his employers in his concept for a small, low-cost helicopter, Robinson resigned from Hughes Helicopters and founded Robinson Helicopter Company. From a modest beginning in his garage, Robinson’s
company now produces more commercial helicopters than any other manufacturer. His two-seat R22 helicopter was certified in 1979 and holds most of the world records in its weight class including speed and altitude. The four-place R44, introduced in 1993, has become even more popular than the R22 and is available in a variety of utitility configurations including a Newscopter model for radio and television stations, a police helicopter for law enforcement agencies, and a float-equipped model for the fishing industry. Nearly 6,000 Robinson helicopters have been delivered in more than 70 countries worldwide.

The solid silver HHMA medallion is cast from silver mined in Hughes' Nevada mines and depicts Hughes from the era when he was setting world speed records and flying his famed Flying Boat. The medallion was designed and executed by sculptor Joseph Princiottai. Nissen Davis, SCAA’s newly elected president, was pleased that “Robinson, who once worked for Hughes Helicopter Company, is the honoree for 2005, the 100th anniversary of Howard Hughes’ birth.” The Hughes award originated in 1981 when the SCAA acquired the Hughes Flying Boat, known as the “Spruce Goose.” 

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com, www.aeroclubsocal.org