From: Curtis Youngblood, November 11, 1996
I just wanted to let everyone who is interested know that I (Curtis) am now flying for JR helicopters. I signed with JR last week during my visit to the Aeropageant in Japan.
For those interested in why I switched, first I want to emphasize any bad rumors you may have heard are not true. I have been very happy with the Futura SE, especially over the last year or so. The Futura SE is at present one of the best helicopters on the market and one of the best helicopters I have ever flown. I have had a very positive working relationship with Robbe over the past three years and I will miss working with them.
Basically what happened is, my contract with Robbe was coming up for renewal at the end of 96. I was presented with offers from both Robbe and JR. Now, as I said, I have been very happy working with Robbe over the past three years. But, I have also had a very positive and close working relationship with JR radios for the past 12 years. So I was stuck in the terrible position ( or great, depending on how you look at it) of having to chose between two companies that I enjoy working with. I knew that whatever choice I made would disappoint a large group of people. My wife, Julie, and I discussed it back and forth for weeks, but we finally decided on going with JR.
It is very important to emphasize that I have the highest regard for everyone at Robbe and I wish them all the best into the future.
Best Regards,
Curtis Youngblood