Robinson R22 Beta II vs Enstrom 280FX
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R22 Beta II | Enstrom 280FX |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $49,000 – $449,000 | $133,859 – $220,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 131 HP | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 95 kts (176 km/h) | 95 kts (176 km/h) |
| Range | 240 nm (444 km) | 260 nm (482 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) | 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) |
| Useful Load | 490 lbs (222 kg) | 930 lbs (422 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 27.0 gal (102 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $60,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R22 Beta II
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$43,000/yr
Enstrom 280FX
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 Beta II or Enstrom 280FX?
Pick the R22 Beta II if…
- Budget matters — from $49,000 vs $133,859, you save ~$84,859.
- Newer design — production from 1995 vs 1975.
- More inventory — 88 listings vs 7.
Pick the 280FX if…
- More seats — 3 vs 2.
- Longer range — 260 nm vs 240 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Robinson R22 Beta II or Enstrom 280FX?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R22 Beta II cruises at 95 kts with 240 nm range.
The 280FX cruises at 95 kts with 260 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22 Beta II: from $65,000.
Enstrom 280FX: from $195,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 Beta II and Enstrom 280FX?
R22 Beta II engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (131 hp).
280FX engine: Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD (225 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 3.
Cruise: 95 vs 95 kts.
Range: 240 vs 260 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Beta II: about $140/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?
R22 Beta II: 2 seats / 490 lb useful load.
280FX: 3 seats / 930 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 II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000.
280FX: 1,500-hour TBO.
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