The Vertical staff are deeply saddened to learn about the death of their colleague and friend, Skip Robinson, who was one of the magazine’s longest-serving photographers and contributing writers. Robinson was found unresponsive at his home on March 30 during a wellness check conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department. No foul play is suspected. He was 57.

“All of us are shocked and saddened by the news of Skip’s passing,” said Vertical owner and publisher Mike Reyno. “A self-proclaimed helicopter aficionado, Skip’s name was synonymous with Vertical for more than 15 years.”

A well-known writer and an incredibly talented photographer, Robinson was deeply passionate about the helicopter industry and the people who work within it. He started contributing to Vertical in 2005, and dedicated almost all his time to reporting on the helicopter industry. “He put his heart into the industry,” Reyno said. “As a result, there wasn’t an issue of Vertical or Valor [formerly Vertical 911] published that didn’t have a story or photo by Skip Robinson.”

With his words and through the lens of his camera, Robinson brought our readers with him on his countless visits to operators in the field. His ability to do this set his work apart from others.

“I think those who knew him would agree that Skip was one-of-a-kind,” said Reyno. “He had an uncanny way of working with crews to get the perfect shot. He knew how to frame a photo and make it exceptional, which is why Skip’s shots have adorned more front covers of Vertical and Valor than anyone else.”

While contributing to Vertical magazine was Robinson’s mainstay, he also worked as a contract photographer with many operators, manufacturers, and suppliers within the helicopter industry. He also often mentored other aspiring aviation photographers, sharing his experience and know-how.

“Skip was so much fun to work with,” said Oliver Johnson, Vertical’s editor-in-chief. “His enthusiasm was boundless, and he always had dozens of ideas for things he wanted to shoot or operators he wanted to visit. He loved the military and parapublic side of the industry most, but these are typically the most difficult things for photographers to get permission for. Not for Skip. I have no idea how he got the access he did, but his tenacity and charm opened doors that no one else could.”

Beyond the magazines, Robinson was an avid collector of anything related to helicopters. In his spare time, he was also a volunteer at the Classic Rotors helicopter museum in Ramona, California. There, he helped preserve and document the history of helicopters and the helicopter industry. He was also instrumental in sourcing paraphernalia, parts and helicopters for the museum.

“Our deepest condolences are with everyone affected by his passing,” said Reyno. “He’ll be sorely missed.”