Enstrom F28A vs Robinson R22 Beta
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Enstrom F28A
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1973–1975
Robinson R22 Beta
- For sale now
- 53
- Median asking
- $99,000
- Range
- $33,671–$195,000
- Model years available
- 1986–1995
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 F28A | Robinson R22 Beta |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 15 | 168 |
| Serious | 1 | 17 |
| Fatal | 1 | 25 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 33 |
| % Fatal | 7% | 15% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Enstrom F28A | Robinson R22 Beta |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $120,000 | $33,671 – $195,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 3 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 225 HP | 131 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 89 kts (165 km/h) | 96 kts (178 km/h) |
| Range | 241 nm (446 km) | 209 nm (387 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) |
| Useful Load | 850 lbs (386 kg) | 490 lbs (222 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 17.0 gal (64 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $120,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateEnstrom F28A
Fuel$82/hr
Robinson R22 Beta
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$48,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Enstrom F28A or Robinson R22 Beta?
Pick the F28A if…
- More seats — 3 vs 2.
- Longer range — 241 nm vs 209 nm.
Pick the R22 Beta if…
- Budget matters — from $33,671 vs $120,000, you save ~$86,329.
- Faster cruise — 96 kts vs 89 kts.
- More inventory — 55 listings vs 4.
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 F28A or Robinson R22 Beta?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The F28A cruises at 89 kts with 241 nm range.
The R22 Beta cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22 Beta: from $152,182.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Enstrom F28A and Robinson R22 Beta?
R22 Beta engine: Lycoming O-320-B2C (131 hp).
Seats: 3 vs 2.
Cruise: 89 vs 96 kts.
Range: 241 vs 209 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Beta: about $150/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?
F28A: 3 seats / 850 lb useful load.
R22 Beta: 2 seats / 490 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?
R22 Beta: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$120,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data