Robinson R44 Clipper II vs Schweizer 333
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Clipper II | Schweizer 333 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,000 – $776,500 | — |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 109 kts (202 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 320 nm (593 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 994 lbs (451 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Clipper II
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Schweizer 333
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Clipper II or Schweizer 333?
Pick the R44 Clipper II if…
- More seats — 4 vs 3.
- Faster cruise — 109 kts vs 100 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2002 vs 1975.
Pick the 333 if…
- Longer range — 320 nm vs 300 nm.
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 Clipper II or Schweizer 333?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Clipper II cruises at 109 kts with 300 nm range.
The 333 cruises at 100 kts with 320 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Clipper II and Schweizer 333?
R44 Clipper II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp).
333 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20W (230 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 3.
Cruise: 109 vs 100 kts.
Range: 300 vs 320 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Clipper II: 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 Clipper II: 4 seats / 994 lb useful load.
333: 3 seats / 900 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 Clipper II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
333: 3,500-hour TBO.
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