Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

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Matt Thurber

Robinson Helicopter has appointed Volo Mission as a U.S. distributor for the R66 Utility helicopter. The utility version of the turbine includes left-seat flight controls, a crashworthy fuel system, supplemental engine gauges, and a factory-installed cargo hook system.
Campbell, Texas-based Volo Mission provides helicopter training and consulting services and will offer an R66 transition training course, including training for the utility capabilities.
“This partnership with Robinson Helicopter is a game-changer for the utility aviation industry,” said Kimberly Hutchings, co-founder and CEO of Volo Mission. “By combining our immersive training with the proven capabilities of the R66 Utility helicopter, we’re empowering operators to achieve their missions safely, efficiently, and with greater confidence. This is more than just selling aircraft; it’s about providing a complete pathway to success for aspiring utility pilots and businesses.”
<img alt="Robinson Helicopter R66 with cargo load" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9094233f-1e38-4633-9e71-0f28bb4973a6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/volo-mission-2.jpg" class="align-left" width="5075" height="7612" loading="lazy">
“Volo Mission’s commitment to comprehensive training aligns perfectly with Robinson Helicopter’s core value of safe operations,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter. “Their expertise in utility missions, coupled with the R66 Utility helicopter’s inherent capabilities, provides a strong foundation for operators to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful and safe external load operations. This partnership offers an invaluable resource for aspiring utility pilots and enhances overall safety and efficiency within the industry.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Volo Mission Becomes Robinson R66 Utility Helicopter Distributor

Company will provide transition and cargo hook training

Volo Mission provides helicopter training and consulting services and will offer an R66 transition training course, including training for utility capabilities. 

Volo Mission Becomes Robinson R66 Utility Distributor

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

In this article

Robinson R66

Robinson Helicopter Company

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