Robinson R22 vs Robinson R44 Cadet
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 Cadet
- For sale now
- 15
- Model years available
- 2017–2026
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 | Robinson R44 Cadet |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 520 | — |
| Serious | 47 | — |
| Fatal | 112 | — |
| Fatalities | 157 | — |
| % Fatal | 22% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Robinson R22 | Robinson R44 Cadet |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,000 – $377,766 | $385,632 – $556,975 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 124 HP | 210 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 105 kts (194 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) | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) |
| Useful Load | 454 lbs (206 kg) | 750 lbs (340 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.0 gal (64 L) | 31.0 gal (117 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $60,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $185 |
| 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 Cadet
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$185/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$62,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 or Robinson R44 Cadet?
Pick the R22 if…
- Budget matters — from $39,000 vs $385,632, you save ~$346,632.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $185/hr.
Pick the R44 Cadet if…
- Faster cruise — 105 kts vs 96 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 209 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2016 vs 1979.
- More inventory — 14 listings vs 7.
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 Cadet?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range.
The R44 Cadet cruises at 105 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.
Robinson R44 Cadet: from $361,253.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 and Robinson R44 Cadet?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp).
R44 Cadet engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (derated) (210 hp).
Cruise: 96 vs 105 kts.
Range: 209 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22: about $140/hr variable cost.
R44 Cadet: about $185/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 Cadet: 2 seats / 750 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 Cadet: 2,400-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