Robinson R22 vs Rotorway Exec 162F

The RotorWay Exec 162F and Robinson R22 are two-seat piston light helicopters — the Exec an amateur-built kit with the largest homebuilt-heli community; the R22 the certified two-seat trainer with a vast support fleet.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Robinson R22
For sale now
147
Median asking
$107,000
Range
$39,000–$377,766
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1984–2026
Rotorway Exec 162F

No active listings right now.

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 R22Rotorway Exec 162F
All events52010
Serious471
Fatal1123
Fatalities1574
% Fatal22%30%
View full Robinson R22 NTSB record →View full Rotorway Exec 162F NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R22 Rotorway Exec 162F
Robinson R22
View 145 listings →
Median $107,000
 Rotorway Exec 162F
View 1 listings →
Median $53,528
Price Range $39,000 – $377,766 $53,528
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2 —
Horsepower 124 HP —
Cruise Speed 96 kts (178 km/h) —
Range 209 nm (387 km) —
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) —
Max Gross Weight 1,370 lbs (621 kg) —
Useful Load 454 lbs (206 kg) —
Fuel Capacity 17.0 gal (64 L) —
Fuel Burn 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) —
TBO 2,200 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $60,000 —
Annual Fixed $15,000 —
Hourly Variable $140 —
Engines 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

Rotorway Exec 162F

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 or Rotorway Exec 162F?

Bottom line: Choose the Robinson R22 for certified status, a huge support/parts network and proven training use. Choose the RotorWay Exec for lower-cost homebuilt ownership and the build experience — accepting amateur-built status and the need for excellent build quality and discipline.

Pick the R22 if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,000 vs $53,528, you save ~$14,528.
  • More inventory — 145 listings vs 1.

Pick the Exec 162F if…

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 Rotorway Exec 162F?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22: from $306,758. Rotorway Exec 162F: from $53,528. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 and Rotorway Exec 162F?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22: 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: 2 seats / 454 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. 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