Enstrom 280FX vs Schweizer 300
The Enstrom 280FX and Schweizer 300 are piston helicopters — the Enstrom enclosed and stable, the Schweizer 300 a rugged, popular trainer.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 7
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1978–2003
- For sale now
- 19
- Median asking
- $212,000
- Range
- $86,800–$325,805
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 9
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1978–2024
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 280FX | Schweizer 300 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 21 | 17 |
| Serious | 3 | 3 |
| Fatal | 3 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 6 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 14% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Enstrom 280FX | Schweizer 300 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $133,992 – $213,750 | $86,800 – $325,805 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 3 | — |
| Horsepower | 225 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 95 kts (176 km/h) | 67 kts (124 km/h) |
| Range | 260 nm (482 km) | 194 nm (359 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) | 2,050 lbs (930 kg) |
| Useful Load | 930 lbs (422 kg) | — |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | — |
Which Should You Buy: Enstrom 280FX or Schweizer 300?
Bottom line: Choose the Schweizer 300 for proven training ruggedness and visibility; choose the Enstrom 280FX for a more enclosed, refined, stable cross-country feel. Schweizer = training/rugged; Enstrom = refinement/stability. ================================================================ # Enstrom 480B — turbine helicopter ================================================================
Pick the 280FX if…
- Faster cruise — 95 kts vs 67 kts.
- Longer range — 260 nm vs 194 nm.
- More inventory — 7 listings vs 1.
Pick the 300 if…
- Budget matters — from $86,800 vs $133,992, you save ~$47,192.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.