Robinson R22 vs Robinson R44 Clipper I
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 Clipper I
- For sale now
- 6
- Model years available
- 1999–2008
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 Clipper I |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Clipper I |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,000 – $377,766 | $105,000 – $412,939 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 124 HP | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 109 kts (202 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) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Useful Load | 454 lbs (206 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.0 gal (64 L) | 31.0 gal (117 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $60,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $200 |
| 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 Clipper I
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 or Robinson R44 Clipper I?
Pick the R22 if…
- Budget matters — from $39,000 vs $105,000, you save ~$66,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.
Pick the R44 Clipper I if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 109 kts vs 96 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 209 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1979.
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 Clipper I?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range.
The R44 Clipper 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 R22: from $305,510.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 and Robinson R44 Clipper I?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp).
R44 Clipper I engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 96 vs 109 kts.
Range: 209 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22: about $140/hr variable cost.
R44 Clipper 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?
R22: 2 seats / 454 lb useful load.
R44 Clipper 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?
R22: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000.
R44 Clipper 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data