Robinson R44 Cadet vs Robinson R44 Raven I
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Cadet | Robinson R44 Raven I |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $361,920 – $563,500 | $59,000 – $859,478 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 210 HP | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 109 kts (202 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Useful Load | 750 lbs (340 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 31.0 gal (117 L) | 31.0 gal (117 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $185 | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Cadet
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$185/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$62,000/yr
Robinson R44 Raven I
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Cadet or Robinson R44 Raven I?
Pick the R44 Cadet if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$185/hr vs $200/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2016 vs 2000.
Pick the R44 Raven I if…
- Budget matters — from $59,000 vs $361,920, you save ~$302,920.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 109 kts vs 105 kts.
- More inventory — 112 listings vs 20.
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 Cadet or Robinson R44 Raven I?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Cadet cruises at 105 kts with 300 nm range.
The R44 Raven I cruises at 109 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44 Cadet: from $520,000.
Robinson R44 Raven I: from $259,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Cadet and Robinson R44 Raven I?
R44 Cadet engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (derated) (210 hp).
R44 Raven I engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 105 vs 109 kts.
Range: 300 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Cadet: about $185/hr variable cost.
R44 Raven I: 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?
R44 Cadet: 2 seats / 750 lb useful load.
R44 Raven I: 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?
R44 Cadet: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
R44 Raven I: 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