TORRANCE, CA – FEBRUARY 3, 2025 – Robinson Helicopter Company, (RHC) is saddened to share the passing of Pete Riedl, a pivotal figure in the company’s history. Riedl was a long-time engineering veteran and valued member of the RHC board of directors. Riedl passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Riedl dedicated nearly 40 years to RHC, including 20 years as Vice President of Engineering, and his contributions to the company and the aviation industry are beyond significant. He played a crucial role in shaping every RHC product, past present and future; leaving his mark on every helicopter the company produces.
"Pete understood that safety and simplicity go hand in hand, not just in the design, but in how people interact with our helicopters. He instilled that understanding in our team, and it's a legacy we're honored to carry forward,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. "Pete's legacy isn't just in the helicopters he designed, but in the opportunities he created. He helped make flight accessible to a wider audience, supporting the livelihoods of countless individuals and shaping the future of general aviation. His mark is indelible."
Hired by Frank Robinson on February 3, 1986, Riedl was hired as a young aspiring engineer, to lead the design and testing of the R44, the most-produced civil helicopter in the world. Following the success of the R44, Riedl drove the development of the R66, the company’s first turbine aircraft. He oversaw complex engineering projects and developed key aspects of RHC helicopters that contributed to the company’s growth and success. His mentorship inspired generations of RHC engineers both at Robinson and beyond.
Kurt Robinson, the former president and CEO of RHC, son of Frank Robinson worked alongside Riedl for most of his career, adding “Pete was a brilliant engineer, leader, and a friend. Throughout his career, Pete worked tirelessly on behalf of RHC and the aviation industry with regulatory agencies worldwide to enhance and improve helicopter design and flight regulations. His efforts have and will continue to make our industry safer.”
Prior to Riedl’s partial retirement in 2024 and transition to the Board of Directors, he commented, “Robinson has been more than a job, but a family for more than three decades. It has been a pleasure being a part of the Robinson legacy and do what I love, day in and day out.”
Riedl’s influence on Robinson Helicopter Company will be felt for years to come.
About Robinson Helicopter Company
For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windows, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com.
READ MORE ROTOR PRO: https://justhelicopters.com/Magazine
WATCH ROTOR PRO YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://buff.ly/3Md0T3y
You can also find us on
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rotorpro1
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rotorpro1
Twitter - https://twitter.com/justhelicopters
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rotorpro1