Robinson R44 Cadet vs Robinson R44 Raven I

The Robinson R44 Cadet and R44 Raven I are the same basic helicopter configured for different roles. The Raven I is the standard four-seat R44, with a carbureted Lycoming O-540 engine and factory hydraulic controls. The Cadet, introduced in 2015, is built on the Raven I but configured as a two-seat aircraft: the rear seats are removed and that space becomes a cargo area, and the engine is derated to 185 horsepower for continuous operation. The result is a simpler, lower-cost helicopter aimed at flight training and light utility work.

For a buyer, the choice comes down to role. The Cadet suits flight schools and operators who want a more economical two-seat trainer or a cargo-capable utility machine. The Raven I is the full four-seat helicopter for carrying passengers. Mechanically they are closely related; the difference is seating, useful-load configuration and mission.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Robinson R44 Cadet
For sale now
15
Model years available
2017–2026
Robinson R44 Raven I
For sale now
110
Median asking
$229,000
Range
$99,000–$496,350
Model years available
1998–2026

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 R44 CadetRobinson R44 Raven I
All events—4
Serious—0
Fatal—2
Fatalities—3
% Fatal—50%
View full Robinson R44 Cadet NTSB record →View full Robinson R44 Raven I NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R44 Cadet Robinson R44 Raven I
Robinson R44 Cadet
View 14 listings →
Median $520,000
 Robinson R44 Raven I
View 113 listings →
Median $229,000
Price Range $385,632 – $556,975 $99,000 – $496,350
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

Estimate

Robinson 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?

Bottom line: These are the same airframe in different roles rather than competing models. Choose the R44 Cadet for training or light utility work, where a two-seat layout, cargo area and lower operating cost are advantages. Choose the R44 Raven I when four seats are needed to carry passengers. Buyers should decide based on whether they need a passenger-carrying helicopter or a more economical trainer and utility aircraft.

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 $99,000 vs $385,632, you save ~$286,632.
  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 109 kts vs 105 kts.
  • More inventory — 113 listings vs 14.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the R44 Cadet and the Raven I?
The Cadet is a two-seat version of the Raven I, with the rear seats replaced by a cargo area and the engine derated to 185 horsepower for continuous operation. The Raven I is the standard four-seat R44.
Why choose the Cadet over the Raven I?
The Cadet is aimed at flight training and light utility use, offering a two-seat layout and lower operating cost. The Raven I is the better choice when four seats are needed to carry passengers.
Do the Cadet and Raven I share the same engine?
They use the same carbureted Lycoming O-540 engine family, but the Cadet is derated to 185 horsepower continuous, while the Raven I runs the standard R44 rating.
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 $361,253. Robinson R44 Raven I: from $97,469. 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