Robinson R44 Raven detailed helicopter review and flight 

Thank you so much for this review. My son and I took our first helicopter ride last Friday while on vacation in LA. It was a Robinson R44 and it was brilliant and I remembered watching you review this a while back. Needless to say we had an epic time. Thanks for all your reviews (mostly the 911 stuff) but if you can, keep up with the Helicopter stuff as well. BTW we flew over the Porsche Race Track just off the 405 north of Long beach. I would of gone there as well but we were off to the Petersen Automotive Museum which was also great. Thanks Nick!

Nick, you should go ahead and petition Dos Equis for the TV commercial spots. Truly the most interesting man on youtube.

Hi Nick. Great video! One thing: a carburetor doesn't compress the air, it's a venturi, that's how it sucks the fuel through the needle. When air passes through the venturi, it cools and speeds up (Bernoulli's principle). Carb ice forms because the air (along with the humidity in the air) cools as it passes through the carb's venturi, which is why you need carb heat as you descend, because air down low is warmer and contains more moisture, and the butterfly valve is partially closed during descent.

3:13 amazing shot. Don't listen to haters who have 0 review vids. Your doing great!

People don't understand, you can't compare an aircraft engine to what you have in cars, aircraft engine design is written in blood. They have to produce their HP on a continual basis, your car engine might be capable of 300 HP but it doesn't have to produce that amount of HP very often. Aircraft engine manufacturers have found that the most reliable combination for aircraft piston engines is large cubic inch displacement with a continuous RPM of between 2 and 3 thousand.

Outstanding! I'm learning to fly helicopters, myself, and have a whopping 3 hours of flight time in the R44. =). Keep up the great work with these vids, Nick.

I truly appreciate the presentations. I plan to receive the R 22/44 training as soon as I can. You have made my day! Keep up the good work. I look forward to your intro to the Heuy and the MD 5001. My tow loves

Fantastic video Nick. Thank you for taking the trouble to make it. The soundtrack, the various camera angles, and the excellent edit makes the video technically perfect. The review itself is awesome, considering how much theoretic information you provide about Robinson technology and aeronautics, that are later shown practically when you begin flying in the video. I have subscribed and will be following you. Wish you many more such wonderful reviews and safe flights.

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned, as I have not read all the comments, but one major contributing factor for the seemingly low horsepower of these machines is the fact that the engine is quite severely de-rated in its power output. This is done to increase reliability, as the engine is never pushed to its maximum power output. This further allows the engines to be for used longer without an overhaul. Thanks for the cool chopper videos Nick.

Great review Nick! I've had the privilege of flying an intro course in an R44 an it is truly a remarkable aircraft. We were flying in (what I felt was) a very windy condition, and it just wants to fly. And your landing looked great. Remember a good landing is one you can walk away from!

Cool video Nick! It's interesting to hear about the engine. Never knew they had to certify engines for flight and whatnot. That's too bad that they can't improve easily but the reasons you give for keeping the old ones makes a lot of sense. Thanks for teaching me something new!

The key is you want a very reliable, low stress engine.

Great video, thank you! One small correction: at 30:03, you say that you need more right pedal in order to compensate for more "power" (i.e. pitch in the main rotor). If I recall correctly, the power pedal on a Robinson (or Bell) is the left pedal. Perhaps you were thinking of the Eurocopter/Airbus, which does indeed have a right power pedal (because the main rotor rotates the other direction)? Cheers!

I think the Robinson helicopters look good. They look like a stretched teardrop.

Nick, you do the best helo reviews on the net!

I never felt more alive than when I took an intro flight instruction on the little R22. I love piloting fixed wing as well, but being in control of the helo just intensifies your thought processes to an unbelievably intense ecstatic experience. To paraphrase the old motorcyclist saying "To those who have experienced it no explanation is necessary. To those who haven't, no explanation is possible."

Thank you for your lessons, they help me to have a awesome perspective of how is it to fly on a helicopter. I would like to do that as a job. That would be a great blessing !! Thank you and have a blessed day !! 🚁🚁🚁 🙏✝️🙏

Love these videos, Nick. Keep it up they're so appreciated. I personally cannot wait for the MD500 review. I hope you get a chance for stick time on that beast when you do review it; what an icon!

I had a ride in a raven 2 and it was a bucket list item, we where up for an hour and a half great fun

Great review I really enjoyed it. Thanks for all the research you put into it !!

Well done Nick. I think I found my new passion.

Another excellent review Nick !

“Relatively cheap to buy” $400,000

The r44 has a death toll rate of 1.5 per every 100,000 flying hours

the reason for the t bar is to keep the controls basic , that's why it is so reliable.. not much to go wrong in terms of cable and hydraulic piping

I love that machine. Thanks for sharing.

I really like your videos but, please get some assistance with audio match between GoPro and aircraft. I wasn't a big fan of your channel to start with but, due to my love of aviation (Private Pilot fixed wing) and since I have a great fascination with Helicopters (flown 700mm RC Helis for 9 years), I kept watching your channel when you posted aviation related material. Your channel grew on me and I finally subscribed!

Right now Robinson has a Diesel engine in the works. It similar to the engine that was certified for the Cessna. Hopefully they can get it certified without issues.

I didn't know these machines were capable of cutting off the tail boom with the main rotor until I saw one falling from the sky with the boom and tail rotor following.

Great helicopter, I ride in Astars everyday and hate the Astar... the r44 is smooth and quieter. Astar wins for size though

Hi Nick , You do a great job on these Vlogs . You explain the comprehensive subject matter clearly . I was a CH-46 crewchief in the military and Frank Robinson gave me my first job when i got out in 1989 . I was 1 of only 3 A&P mechanics and there was probably 40 people working there at that time and I was hired for the

I love all your heli videos.

when the air is colder it's more dense hence better performance. The composition of oxygen in the air is constant and never changes.

Awesome video! I like your helicopter reviews. I would like to see a review of the Robinson R66. Keep doing what your doing!

Are you sure it's right pedal? I trained in a Cabri G2 and we used right pedal for power pedal, the Robinson's spin in the opposite direction therefore it would require the left pedal no? Just wanting to clarify as I hear you saying "right pedal" as you pull power. I enjoyed the video though, very informative.

Just discovered your channel. Admire the passionate charisma you borrow to your work. Loved your 930 test/review and, being an air cooled 911 fan, could you make a review of a 964 C4 or 993 C4 ? Thanks and keep your great work 😊👍

7:54 Spelled Raven like you pronounce it, huh? :D

The Intro music reminds me of Connecticut. So fancy nick. Keep on keepin on.

Thanks for the lesson on the helicopter and everything involved. One day I will own a helicopter. Hopefully my businesses will be profitable and I can afford my very own helicopter

I just wanted to say I have loved all your helicopter videos, The R44, MD500, Bell 206 etc

Thanks Nick, see plenty of those flying over here in NZ.

Our Raven II out here in NorCal costs $585/hr to rent... vs $265/hr for our 22. Great heli video as usual, btw.

This video is in reverse. The blade rotation is going clockwise but these helicopters rotate counter clockwise.

extremely dangerous!

Great video. Thanks Nick!

Watch R44 busy doing Game Capture, check the Black Impala being netgunned at the end...ouch! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AzSand5ilJI.html

I highly recommend running the R-44 on unleaded premium automotive fuel. With the addition of the commonly available STC, the R-44 can be operated on unleaded 91 octane with no penalty for reliability or safety. In fact, the FAA agrees that the use of unleaded fuel in an appropriately STC'd is exactly as safe as running AV-GAS. I have been running helicopters on unleaded since 2011 with no problems including the R-44, R-22, and S269.

I did look at the gauge, but you edited it out… engine speed/rotor speed

เขาวางแผนการตลาดพอมีรุ่น r44เป็นทางเลือกราคาประหยัดเข้าถึงง่ายซ่อมง่ายประหยัดน้ำมัน

My dream helicopter

A tip of a bowling pin might actually make a better cup holder than those two depressions :)

take a shot every time he says helicopter.

Awesome video,your funny too,its like starting an old truck,Ha,Ha,Ha,waiting to find your other videos

but hey IT HAS CUPHOLDERS better buy this than a ferrari lmao

Great video thanks Nick. This is definitely the boy's toy in terms of affordable private helicopter ownership. Can you highlight an ownership example with a leaseback option to a flight school and how much this would reduce cost of ownership and maintenance, and also an indicator in depreciation thanks

Anyone spot the 'Kingpin' reference in this video?

The best piston driven 4 person helicopter.

Didn't mean to be negative with the comment.Love your videos. It's cool to see flights from ther perspective of someone flying a particular machine for the first time.

styling of this aircraft looks so 70's. Would be nice of the industry to give us some updated helicopter designs since 2020 is around the corner.

To elaborate, the reason that engine is used compared to an "automobile" engine is because it pretty produces torque. Recip choppers need torque not horsepower (due to a clutch/belt set-up which is necessary to engage rotation gently). Horsepower in general is not that important in aviation. Torque provides speed and reliability. On the turbo charger concept....it's a quicker way to destroy your engine. Don't turbo charge your engine in an aircraft. Better off buying a turbine if altitude is a concern...

Yes Boddy, you can say, it`s a bicycle Frame !

I learned so much from watching this video, nice!

It's not just a matter of certification, the engine must be able to produce that amount of power at a max of 2700 rpm (fixed wing rough numbers), and it's a normally aspirated one also! And btw, it must be tough enough and a lot less "pushed" than one in a car (whose break down would be only annoying and not life threatening!)

I love my Raven. Not the helicopter, I just have a pet raven.

How come Robinson went with the single base Center style dual cyclic ? As opposed to dual style?🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁🚁👏🏻 Do they say why? Design of the R44 body reminds me of a child’s toy😛🤷🏻‍♂️

Really thanks nick😀

Really enjoying the gen av videos, Nick. I used to fly a lot with my dad. Mostly twin Cessnas and eventually Citations for a couple of years before he developed a medical condition that kept him out of the air. Some of my happiest times with my dad were in the right seat, and these videos really take me back. Fantastically produced and filmed as well. I always wished he was more into helicopters, but for sales calls planes made more sense. Such a wonderful thing to move freely in every direction though. Please fly safe and keep a keen eye out for fixed wing traffic, ya'll are often hard to spot when maneuvering at low altitude. We had a really close run-in with a Robinson once on a five-mile final. Within 1,500 feet we estimated (close enough for everyone involved), he was climbing at full collective - just popped up right in front of us. ATC warned at the last minute but we couldn't see over the nose until the very last second. Full bank and dropped a few thousand feet to clear the traffic. Never a good feeling when you keep telling them no joy and the distance keeps getting shorter. Heck of a rush though! Anyway, suffice to say I'm enjoying and appreciate the content.

This helicopter has the highest crash rate out of any helicopter ever made.

Dude, I did not know you do aircraft reviews! This channel just got 5x better for me right now.

Do a review on the MD500! :)

Hey whats the controls like are they eazy to use should be I will be flying one soon send me some info about control's please

Ok, can someone take the time to read this question that I have (its legitimate and I really need help) My dream job is flying helicopters, i don't care if I'm just doing tours or flying for state troopers. Flying helicopters specifically is my dream. But there's no way i can spend 80,000 straight up to get my certifications (I'm only 17). Can someone who has been through this process please help me? What did you do to get started? Are schools cheaper in certain parts of the country (United States)? Are there any scholarships or something similar? Would it be cheaper/easier/beneficial to take the fixed wing path for a while before helicopters? And I heard that there are companies who will pay for your training if you agree to work for them for a set amount of time, is this true? Again, helicopters are my goal and my dream, so if anyone could please just take the time to give me advice I'd really appreciate that.

The fuel burn per hour is actually less than what an car engine would burn per hour producing the same horsepower. Running a 200hp yamaha outboard flat out is roughly 65-70 litres an hour, it's 2.7litre engine is the same has what you'd find in a toyota hilux.

Great review Thanks!

Awesome video. Very accurate! The first time I flew a Robinson, it too did the pendulum sway and was VERY touchy on the controls. Thank goodness my instructor was right there!

Great video Nick. very informative. I like when all the details are given. Any chance to one day compare this to the Turbine powered R66?

My next helicopter will definitely be this one

Great helicopter reviews. I re-watch many every day. Your commentary is very informative. Great camera detail. Thanks and more like these please!

Awesome video! Had me cracking up at 19:32, glad William moved his ass over LOL!

You can't compare fuel economy with cars. This several thousand pound vehicle is being lifted from the ground and flown 130mph. Way more work needed than rolling a 3500 pound car on a flat road....

$400,000 jesus fucking christ. Why do aircrafts costs so much?!

Nice review thanks !

I worked for an Insurance company that insured (Hull and Liability) of each Bell Helicopter built.....even branched out and included Hughes and many others until the Helicopter Industry almost caused the Insurance Company to declare Bankruptcy ..... One problem was.....Helicopter's are Inherently Unstable .....Period !!!!! Most machines are used in extremely Dangerous Work (Landing in remote Mountainous terrain, Hovering among high Tension wires, picking up passenger's/Cargo with one skid balanced on a Rock) that sort of everyday activity (Sarc) !!!!

A yes, a fucking helicopter review. WHY THE FUCK DO PEOPLE REVIEW BLOODY HELICOPTERS?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!??? Bloody rich people I'm telling ya!

Such a pleasure watching this - nice job!. An MD-500 video would definitely be quite a treat. You probably don't know Dslyecxi but he has a couple of heli videos too. Maybe you'll get some inspiration or enjoy them. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AhsJzsXDw2E.html

If you’re pulling more power wouldn’t you have to put in some left pedal? The blades rotate counter clockwise right?

Im transitioning to instrument flight now, flew the R44 for my first time today...LOVED IT!

Hi Nick, I have been following you for a few month's now, tomorrow, Sunday, march 1st, i will have Three hours in the R22, Thanks Nick for the inspiration.........K

I don't doubt that the intake heater is required for some legitimate reason, but compressing air does not cool it down, it heats it up. This is why Diesel engines don't even have spark plugs, the compression cycle on its own is enough to heat the fuel enough to ignite. It's also why A/C compressors are outside while the condensers are inside. Speaking of Diesel engines though, if torque is more important than horsepower for rotary aircraft, why do they use gasoline? Diesel engines give off far more torque/weight ratio at a much better efficiency. I dunno. I feel like if they want to make a "people's helicopter" they could probably do better than a 70-year-old engine design.

Of all the vehicles I've ever owned, I'd say none of them died of mechanical failures. It was electrical failures, computer problems. You say it would be better to have a more wired out system, but from my personal experience its a mistake. Imagine having a craft that is fully functional but the computer won't relay the signal, so you're dead in the water. You'd have to wire around the computer, and thats when ownership becomes messy. Imagine having to do this yourself.

Its all about the torque , wind opposes lot of resistance so torque will be more important than horsepower

Great video but I really wouldn't want a product that the manufacturer nailed decades ago and spends no money or time advancing. Ford's T model still works today but we aren't driving T models now are we? I really can't stand the Robinson helicopters - this was based on aesthetics alone. Now I've learned more from you - thank you, very informative and entertaining like all your other videos - it only reinforces my stubbornness for what is probably a decent machine :)

r22 used can buy normal price 30 000-60 000$ and r44 world most crashed and accident copter model cost used 100 000-150 000$ normal but world have lot lot many better and cheapen copter model. why waste money r44 if can buy lto biggest and better copter many place.

The Raven 1 with the smaller engine can carry 785 pounds. The Raven 2 with the larger engine can only carry 825 pounds. Most large frame men are over 200-225 pounds per person. Put 4 inside and you are easily over the load rating.

Correction: Air heats up when compressed. It cools when pressure is reduced. Carb icing is caused by air temperature dropping below 32 degrees F when the Venturi effect reduces air pressure in the carburetor, freezing and accumulating incoming water vapor.

STOP FIDDLING WITH THE CYCLIC. Sorry, for some weird reason that was unbearable to watch. Nice review, though.

Make sure you wear your Nomex asbestos suit as recommended by Robinson when you are a pilot or passenger so you have a chance of not burning to death when it crashes....dont know how FAA continues to allow those death traps in the air..but then those guys like to wait for a huge body count...just killed some poor truck passenger in Tampa yesterday when one crashed on a city street its blade splitting in half flying into the truck cab...

The main difference between automobile and aircraft/marine engines is is aircraft/marine are run at constant high power for long periods of time, whereas a car only uses full power for brief periods. Car engines just aren't built for sustained high power. If you drove your car flat out for long periods it will likely overheat and disintegrate.

Great review, I really enjoyed watching that :)

Awesome review, is there any inherent flaw to 2 rotor blade system? also please review Cabri G2 & Skyrider SKT