Robinson R22 Beta II vs Robinson R44
This compares the four-seat R44 with the two-seat R22 Beta II — stepping up from Robinson's trainer to its family helicopter. Same maker, same handling lineage, different mission.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R22 Beta II | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $49,000 – $449,000 | $23,292 – $899,999 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 131 HP | 260 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 95 kts (176 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 240 nm (444 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | 490 lbs (222 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 27.0 gal (102 L) | 48.0 gal (182 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $60,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
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
Robinson R44
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 Beta II or Robinson R44?
Bottom line: choose the R22 Beta II for the lowest operating cost (~$140/hr) and two-seat training or hour-building. Choose the R44 when you need to carry up to four people and want more speed and range for private transport — at a higher but still modest entry price.
Pick the R22 Beta II if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1995 vs 1993.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $23,292 vs $49,000, you save ~$25,708.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 95 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 240 nm.
- More inventory — 492 listings vs 93.
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 Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R22 Beta II cruises at 95 kts with 240 nm range.
The R44 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 R22 Beta II: from $339,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 Beta II and Robinson R44?
R22 Beta II engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (131 hp).
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 95 vs 110 kts.
Range: 240 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Beta II: about $140/hr variable cost.
R44: 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?
R22 Beta II: 2 seats / 490 lb useful load.
R44: 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?
R22 Beta II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000.
R44: 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