Robinson R22 Beta vs Robinson R22 Beta II

Shopping a two-seat Robinson trainer, you will see the R22 Beta and the R22 Beta II side by side — the same classic trainer, one generation apart. Both are two-seat piston helicopters that have taught a large share of the world's helicopter pilots. The difference is under the cowling: the Beta II, introduced in the mid-1990s, swapped in a derated Lycoming O-360 that holds more power as the air thins. Same airframe and mission, a meaningful step in capability. Live listings — prices and counts — for each are below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Robinson R22 Beta
For sale now
53
Median asking
$99,000
Range
$33,671–$195,000
Model years available
1986–1995
Robinson R22 Beta II
For sale now
90
Median asking
$117,500
Range
$49,000–$394,550
Model years available
1996–2026

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)Robinson R22 BetaRobinson R22 Beta II
All events16815
Serious173
Fatal252
Fatalities332
% Fatal15%13%
View full Robinson R22 Beta NTSB record →View full Robinson R22 Beta II NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R22 Beta Robinson R22 Beta II
Robinson R22 Beta
View 55 listings →
Median $99,000
 Robinson R22 Beta II
View 91 listings →
Median $117,500
Price Range $33,671 – $195,000 $49,000 – $394,550
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Horsepower 131 HP 131 HP
Cruise Speed 96 kts (178 km/h) 95 kts (176 km/h)
Range 209 nm (387 km) 240 nm (444 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,370 lbs (621 kg) 1,370 lbs (621 kg)
Useful Load 490 lbs (222 kg) 490 lbs (222 kg)
Fuel Capacity 17.0 gal (64 L) 27.0 gal (102 L)
Fuel Burn 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) 9.0 GPH (34 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $120,000 $60,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $15,000
Hourly Variable $150 $140
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R22 Beta

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $48,000/yr

Robinson R22 Beta II

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $43,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 Beta or Robinson R22 Beta II?

Bottom line: The Beta is the lower-cost way into R22 ownership — an earlier airframe doing exactly what the R22 is known for: economical primary training and time-building. The Beta II earns its preference for power in reserve — its O-360 keeps more available power at high density altitude, useful margin on hot-and-high takeoffs and in autorotation practice. On safety the difference is that reserve when the air is thin; beyond it, both share the low-G rotor discipline every two-bladed Robinson asks of its pilots, and both reward careful, type-specific training. For most buyers it comes to the same helicopter, with the margin most would rather have.

Pick the R22 Beta if…

  • Budget matters — from $33,671 vs $49,000, you save ~$15,329.
  • Faster cruise — 96 kts vs 95 kts.

Pick the R22 Beta II if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $150/hr.
  • Longer range — 240 nm vs 209 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1995 vs 1985.
  • More inventory — 91 listings vs 55.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the R22 Beta and Beta II?
Mainly the engine — the Beta II (from the mid-1990s) uses a derated Lycoming O-360 that retains more power at altitude and in heat than the Beta's smaller engine. The airframe, two-seat cabin and training role are essentially the same.
Is the Beta II better for hot or high-altitude flying?
Yes — its engine keeps more available power as density altitude rises, which improves takeoff and hover margins where the earlier Beta runs short of power sooner.
Are they both good trainers?
Yes — the R22 is one of the most widely used primary trainers ever built. Both demand the low-G rotor discipline specific to two-bladed Robinsons, so quality instruction matters on either.
Which is better, Robinson R22 Beta or Robinson R22 Beta II?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 Beta cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. The R22 Beta II cruises at 95 kts with 240 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22 Beta: from $152,182. Robinson R22 Beta II: from $463,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 Beta and Robinson R22 Beta II?
R22 Beta engine: Lycoming O-320-B2C (131 hp). R22 Beta II engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (131 hp). Cruise: 96 vs 95 kts. Range: 209 vs 240 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Beta: about $150/hr variable cost. 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: 2 seats / 490 lb useful load. R22 Beta II: 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. R22 Beta II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000. 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