The Robinson R44 Clipper II is a four-seat light utility helicopter
powered by a single fuel-injected, angle-valve, tuned-induction,
Lycoming IO-540 piston engine. The Robinson R44 is built and developed by the Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California.
Design 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 hydraulically-assisted
R44 Raven. The development from the first R44 Astro in 1993, via the R44 Raven I to
the first R44 Raven II delivered in 2002, has been remarkable. For the
pilot the most important difference is the conversion from a carbureted
engine on the Astro to injection and hydraulic controls on the Raven II.
Over 6500 of the four-seat Model R44s are delivered to customers all over the world. The ICAO Aircraft Type
Designator for the Robinson R44 Clipper II is R44
In 2007, Robinson R44 Clipper II s/n 11804 was registered N3030N with Robinson Helicopter Co, Torrance, California. On 28 June 2007,
registration N3030N was cancelled as exported to Italy. On 21 September 2007, the helicopter was registered I-GTRE with Ariane Helicopter
Services at Sondrio Caiolo (LILO). Next to Ariana, the I-GTRE was used for longer periods by ElisardaFly and later by Elitaliana. In 2021,
Robinson R44 Clipper II I-GTRE was offered for sale. On 25 June 2022, the helicopter arrived at Lelystad Airport from Sondrio Caiolo. The
helicopter was destined for DutchWingCraft for trainingflights. The homebase of DutchWingCraft is Lelystad Airport (EHLE/LEY). On 5 March
2025, the 2007-built Robinson R44 Clipper II I-GTRE was seen at Hoogeveen airfield (EHHO).
