Enstrom 280FX vs Robinson R44

The Enstrom 280FX/F28 and Robinson R44 are piston helicopters — the Enstrom a heavier, very stable three-seater with a rugged rotor system; the R44 the lighter, faster, far more common four-seater.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Enstrom 280FX
For sale now
7
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
3
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1978–2003
Robinson R44
For sale now
446
Median asking
$337,560
Range
$103,500–$722,186
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
94
Source marketplaces
17
Model years available
1994–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Enstrom 280FXRobinson R44
All events21366
Serious333
Fatal3165
Fatalities6345
% Fatal14%45%
View full Enstrom 280FX NTSB record →View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Enstrom 280FX Robinson R44
Enstrom 280FX
View 7 listings →
Median $157,000
 Robinson R44
View 426 listings →
Median $337,560
Price Range $133,992 – $213,750 $103,500 – $722,186
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 3 4
Horsepower 225 HP 260 HP
Cruise Speed 95 kts (176 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 260 nm (482 km) 300 nm (556 km)
Service Ceiling — 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
Useful Load 930 lbs (422 kg) 882 lbs (400 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 48.0 gal (182 L)
Fuel Burn — 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $150,000
Annual Fixed — $25,000
Hourly Variable — $200
Engines 1 x Reciprocating 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Enstrom 280FX

Robinson R44

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Enstrom 280FX or Robinson R44?

Bottom line: Choose the Robinson R44 for lower cost, higher speed, four seats and the largest support network; choose the Enstrom for a smoother, more stable ride and a robust, no-hour-life rotor system that many find reassuring. R44 = value/speed/support; Enstrom = stability/robustness.

Pick the 280FX if…

Pick the R44 if…

  • Budget matters — from $103,500 vs $133,992, you save ~$30,492.
  • More seats — 4 vs 3.
  • Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 95 kts.
  • Longer range — 300 nm vs 260 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1975.
  • More inventory — 426 listings vs 7.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Enstrom 280FX or Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 280FX cruises at 95 kts with 260 nm range. The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Enstrom 280FX: from $195,000. Robinson R44: from $650,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Enstrom 280FX and Robinson R44?
280FX engine: Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD (225 hp). R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp). Seats: 3 vs 4. Cruise: 95 vs 110 kts. Range: 260 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: about $200/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
280FX: 3 seats / 930 lb useful load. R44: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
280FX: 1,500-hour TBO. R44: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data