Frank Robinson, Lighting Fires

Frank Robinson is trying to persuade his top engineers to accelerate development of Robinson Helicopter Co.'s new R66. Robinson will update the industry on the status of the program to field that five-seat helicopter, Robinson's first turbine, in litte more than a week's time during Heli-Expo 2008 in Houston. It's clear at this point, though, that the company founder is not satisfied with the pace of development. Perhaps he's anxious to get the R66 in the field because demand, so strong that Robinson production is sold out through this year, shows no signs of slowing. When he spoke with Rotor & Wing, Robinson said he just met with his top engineers "to light a fire under them." For related news