Robinson R44 Astro vs Rotorway 162F
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Robinson R44 Astro
- For sale now
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1994–1999
Rotorway 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 R44 Astro | Rotorway 162F |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 10 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 2 |
| Fatalities | — | 3 |
| % Fatal | — | 20% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Astro | Rotorway 162F |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $26,237 – $130,900 | $13,355 – $64,995 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 225 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 90 kts (167 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 180 nm (333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 10,000 ft (3,048 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 31.0 gal (117 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Astro
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Rotorway 162F
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$38,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Astro or Rotorway 162F?
Pick the R44 Astro if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 180 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1980.
- More inventory — 7 listings vs 2.
Pick the 162F if…
- Budget matters — from $13,355 vs $26,237, you save ~$12,882.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $180/hr.
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 R44 Astro or Rotorway 162F?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Astro cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
The 162F cruises at 90 kts with 180 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44 Astro: from $22,895.
Rotorway 162F: from $64,995.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Astro and Rotorway 162F?
R44 Astro engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 110 vs 90 kts.
Range: 300 vs 180 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Astro: about $180/hr variable cost.
162F: 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?
R44 Astro: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load.
162F: 2 seats / 500 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?
R44 Astro: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
162F: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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