Enstrom "new" Enstrom 280 Fx vs Robinson R44 Raven II
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Enstrom "new" Enstrom 280 Fx
No active listings right now.
Robinson R44 Raven II
- For sale now
- 252
- Median asking
- $375,000
- Range
- $129,522–$799,000
- Model years available
- 1993–2026
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 "new" Enstrom 280 Fx | Robinson R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 1 |
| Fatalities | — | 2 |
| % Fatal | — | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Enstrom "new" Enstrom 280 Fx | Robinson R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $425,000 | $129,522 – $799,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 245 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 113 kts (209 km/h) |
| Range | — | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 994 lbs (451 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 46.0 gal (174 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $200 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateEnstrom "new" Enstrom 280 Fx
Robinson R44 Raven II
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Enstrom "new" Enstrom 280 Fx or Robinson R44 Raven II?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Raven II cruises at 113 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Enstrom "new" Enstrom 280 Fx: from $425,000.
Robinson R44 Raven II: from $350,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Enstrom "new" Enstrom 280 Fx and Robinson R44 Raven II?
R44 Raven II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Raven II: 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?
R44 Raven II: 4 seats / 994 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 Raven II: 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data