New Partnership Boosts Disaster Response Training

Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), a manufacturer of civil helicopters, entered an agreement with Operation Helo, a humanitarian organization specializing in rapid-response helicopter missions, to enhance disaster relief efforts. Robinson Helicopter has underwritten a portion on an R44 to Operation Helo to support the organization’s relief efforts and will provide increased flight safety training for their pilots.

Leveraging Robinson’s aircraft and in-house training resources to support the organization’s critical humanitarian work, the two will improve humanitarian flight operations in the United States. Operation Helo was established in the wake of Hurricane Helene, uniting volunteer pilots and helicopter owners for relief missions.

With the support of Robinson Helicopter, Operation Helo will launch a first-of-its-kind disaster response aviation training program. The purpose-built training program is designed to prepare pilots to operate effectively in the most challenging and unpredictable disaster environments following the immediate aftermath of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. While Robinson helicopters will be a key focus, the training will encompass a range of aircraft to ensure pilot versatility in diverse scenarios.