VOLATUS TUTUS EST NON CLAMITAS
Richard Mornington-Sanford recognised with a RAeC Silver Medal at the 2024 Annual Award Ceremony
“Dick’s European Robinson Flight Safety Course is an absolute must for anybody who flies the Robinson”
“Dick’s unparalleled experience and enthusiasm is obvious. Moreover what he says is straight fact from source”
MSA Training are pleased to announce that they have gained EASA Part 147 Third Country Approval for their Robinson Helicopter Type Training. . Click here for more
“Dick has a deep understanding of each model. He is able to answer a barrage of questions quickly and concisely”
“His knowledge of the Robinson product is so good that he knows virtually every fact and figure off by heart”
“Richard does not conduct a Robinson Maintenance Course, he delivers a show”
“I’ve really enjoyed the course from start to finish.
Dick’s product knowledge is second-to-none”
“Richard is one of the most respected helicopter flight instructor and engineers in the industry”
“Flight safety is no accident.” Our courses provide you with the essential information you need for flying and maintaining your Robinson helicopter. For unparalleled expert advice on flight safety, general maintenance and repair, as well as factory maintenance, why not book one of our courses that are run in the UK, Europe and throughout the World?
Use our course application form to book, or alternatively please e-mail info@morningtonsanfordaviation.com. You can read more about the different courses on offer below.
Richard Mornington-Sanford is Robinson Helicopters Accident/Technical investigator with unrivalled experience outside of the factory on the Robinson product. We are accredited with UK Civil Aviation Authority Engineering and Flight Instructor (retired) licenses as well as UK Civil Aviation Authority & European Aviation Safety Agency PART 147 approval.
UK Civil Aviation Authority
& EASA PART 147 approved
UK Civil Aviation Authority & European Aviation Safety Authority Part 147 training courses
Upcoming courses to be held at
Sloane Helicopters, Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton, UK:
R22/R44 airframe
and Lycoming engine
Incorporating the R22/R44 Robinson Helicopters Company approved Maintenance Course.
Theoretical – Monday 8 September to Thursday 18 September 2025
Practical – Friday 19 September to Wednesday 24 September 2025
R66 airframe and Rolls Royce
300 engine course
Incorporating the R66 Robinson Helicopters Company approved Maintenance Course.
Theoretical – Wednesday 1 October to Saturday 11 October 2025
Practical – Monday 13 October to Friday 17 October 2025
R66 Differences and
Rolls Royce 300 engine
Theoretical – Wednesday 1 October to Saturday 11 October 2025
Practical – Monday 13 October to Tuesday 14 October 2025
Please note the theoretical is
10 days and NOT 8.
European flight safety course
Richard Mornington-Sanford is the only UK safety expert presenting this course outside of the Robinson Helicopter factory.
Upcoming courses to be held at
Sloane Helicopters, Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton, UK:
Robinson Helicopters
Company Approved Course
Flight Safety Course R22/R44
Thursday 6 November to
Sunday 9 November 2025
Robinson Helicopters Company approved course
This is a “hands on” course in the general maintenance and repair of the R22, R44 and R66 helicopters.
Upcoming courses to be held at
Sloane Helicopters,
Sywell Aerodrome,
Northampton, UK:
Robinson Helicopters
Company Approved Course
Service Centre x3 day
R22/R44/R66 Refresher
Monday 27 October to
Wednesday 29 October 2025
On Sunday 9 March 2025, I was given the opportunity to attend the Robinson Helicopter Company exclusive launch of their latest thoroughbred - the Robinson R88 - at the Dallas Verticon (VAI) event.
Low RPM Rotor Stall is a primary cause of fatal accidents.
As air speed is the life blood to the aeroplane pilot so Rotor RPM is to the helicopter pilot! Should the aeroplane pilot stall their aircraft during flight by the loss of airspeed, they are able to recover (subject to height above the ground) by increasing the air speed and reducing the angle of attack on the wing.
However, if the helicopter pilot stalls his rotor due to a loss of rotor RPM, it is NOT recoverable because the induced flow up through the disc will never allow the angle of attack to be less than the stall angle (even with the collective lever fully down). You become a passenger until you hit the ground!
Engine power is directly proportional to the engine RPM, a 10% loss of RPM will incur a 10% loss in engine power available.
One of the reasons you are given a de-rated engine operating limit is that you have power available should you need it; a get you out of jail card to be used to prevent an accident but not to fly outside the aircraft limits.
However, if the RPM is not in the green this power reserve will be reduced directly proportional to where your RPM is at the time.
KEEP YOUR RPM IN THE GREEN
After conducting a closed European Robinson R22/R44 Pilots Flight Safety Course for the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch, they have remarked that it is "invaluable for its target audience of PPL owners".
See our course information to book your place on our next session.
Mornington Sanford Aviation offers the following services:
• Training courses in:
• EASA approved type training
• Legal work – expert witness
• Helicopter walk around DVDs
• Flight safety publications