Robinson R22 vs Robinson R44
The Robinson R22 and R44 share a family resemblance but serve different missions. The two-seat R22 is the world's standard trainer and the cheapest Robinson to own; the four-seat R44 carries a family or light commercial load and is widely considered easier to fly.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R22 | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $18,000 – $449,000 | $23,298 – $899,999 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 124 HP | 260 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
EstimateRobinson 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 if your goal is learning to fly, building hours or the lowest possible operating cost with two seats. Choose the R44 when you need to carry passengers or use the aircraft for private transport and light commercial work.
Pick the R22 if…
- Budget matters — from $18,000 vs $23,298, you save ~$5,298.
- 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 — 480 listings vs 151.
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 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 R44: from $302,874.
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 (260 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data