Robinson R22 vs Robinson R44

The Robinson R22, Robinson R44 and Robinson R66 Turbine are the three rungs of Robinson's ladder — the path most piston-helicopter pilots follow from training to turbine. The R22 is the two-seat trainer that taught a generation, the R44 the four-seat piston workhorse and best-selling civil helicopter, and the R66 the five-seat turbine step up. Where each lands on the market now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Robinson R22
For sale now
147
Median asking
$107,000
Range
$39,000–$377,766
Model years available
1984–2026
Robinson R44
For sale now
446
Median asking
$337,560
Range
$103,500–$722,186
Model years available
1994–2026

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 R22Robinson R44
All events520366
Serious4733
Fatal112165
Fatalities157345
% Fatal22%45%
View full Robinson R22 NTSB record →View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R22 Robinson R44
Robinson R22
View 7 listings →
Median $107,000
 Robinson R44
View 16 listings →
Median $337,560
Price Range $39,000 – $377,766 $103,500 – $722,186
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2 4
Horsepower 124 HP 225 HP
Cruise Speed 96 kts (178 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 209 nm (387 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 454 lbs (206 kg) 882 lbs (400 kg)
Fuel Capacity 17.0 gal (64 L) 48.0 gal (182 L)
Fuel Burn 10.0 GPH (38 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

Estimate

Robinson R22

Fuel$55/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 or Robinson R44?

Bottom line: Choose the R22 to learn and economise — a light two-seater with the lowest costs, the classic primary trainer and time-builder. Choose the R44 for practical four-seat flying — more seats, hydraulic controls and the support of the world's most popular piston helicopter. Choose the R66 Turbine for smoothness and capability — a fifth seat, turbine power and better hot-and-high performance, at a higher cost. On safety all three are single-engine Robinsons that rely on autorotation and demand the same low-G rotor discipline; the R66's turbine adds power margin, not a different safety class. Learn on the R22, work with the R44, step up to the R66.

Pick the R22 if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,000 vs $103,500, you save ~$64,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.

Pick the R44 if…

  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 96 kts.
  • Longer range — 300 nm vs 209 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1979.
  • More inventory — 16 listings vs 7.

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, R44 and R66?
The R22 is a two-seat piston trainer; the R44 a four-seat piston; the R66 Turbine a five-seat turbine. Each step adds seats, power and cost, from training to turbine.
Which is the trainer?
The R22 — light, economical and the most common piston-helicopter trainer. Many learn on it, then move to the R44 for four seats and the R66 for turbine smoothness.
Do they need the same training discipline?
Yes — all are two-bladed Robinsons that demand specific low-G rotor discipline and quality type instruction. The R66 adds turbine handling, but the core rotor discipline is shared.
Which is better, Robinson R22 or Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 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: from $305,510. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 and Robinson R44?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp). R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (225 hp). Seats: 2 vs 4. Cruise: 96 vs 110 kts. Range: 209 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22: 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: 2 seats / 454 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: 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data