Pete Riedl

United States of America

 

Pete Riedl, VP Engineering, Robinson Helicopter

Riedl dedicated nearly 40 years to Robinson Helicopter, including 20 years as VP of Engineering. The company said that “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,” said David Smith, RHC President and CEO. “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 Feb. 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 helicopters that contributed to the company’s growth and success. His mentorship inspired generations of engineers both at Robinson and beyond.

Kurt Robinson, the former president and CEO of RHC and 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.”

Former Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) VP of Engineering Peter Riedl, 63, passed away on Jan. 28, 2025, surrounded by his family.

VFS Updates: In Memoriam - Vertiflite, March/April 2025