Enstrom F28A vs Robinson R44 Astro
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Enstrom F28A
- For sale now
- 2
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1973–1975
Robinson R44 Astro
- For sale now
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1994–1999
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 R44 Astro |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 15 | — |
| Serious | 1 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 2 | — |
| % Fatal | 7% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Enstrom F28A | Robinson R44 Astro |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $120,000 | $26,237 – $130,900 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 3 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 225 HP | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 89 kts (165 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 241 nm (446 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Useful Load | 850 lbs (386 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 31.0 gal (117 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateEnstrom F28A
Fuel$82/hr
Robinson R44 Astro
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Enstrom F28A or Robinson R44 Astro?
Pick the F28A if…
Pick the R44 Astro if…
- Budget matters — from $26,237 vs $120,000, you save ~$93,763.
- More seats — 4 vs 3.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 89 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 241 nm.
- More inventory — 7 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 R44 Astro?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The F28A cruises at 89 kts with 241 nm range.
The R44 Astro cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44 Astro: from $22,798.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Enstrom F28A and Robinson R44 Astro?
R44 Astro engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp).
Seats: 3 vs 4.
Cruise: 89 vs 110 kts.
Range: 241 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Astro: about $180/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.
R44 Astro: 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?
R44 Astro: 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