Robinson R44 Raven I vs Robinson R44 Raven II

The R44 is the world's best-selling civil helicopter, and most buyers shopping one are really choosing between the Raven I and the Raven II. Both are four-seat piston Robinsons with hydraulic controls and the same familiar airframe; the split is in the engine. The Raven I runs a carburetted Lycoming, the Raven II a fuel-injected one with more power — and no carburettor to ice up. Same helicopter, two states of tune. What each is going for now, and how many are listed, is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Robinson R44 Raven I
For sale now
110
Median asking
$229,000
Range
$99,000–$496,350
Model years available
1998–2026
Robinson R44 Raven II
For sale now
269
Median asking
$369,900
Range
$120,366–$759,637
Model years available
2001–2026

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 Raven IRobinson R44 Raven II
All events43
Serious00
Fatal21
Fatalities32
% Fatal50%33%
View full Robinson R44 Raven I NTSB record →View full Robinson R44 Raven II NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R44 Raven I Robinson R44 Raven II
Robinson R44 Raven I
View 113 listings →
Median $229,000
 Robinson R44 Raven II
View 264 listings →
Median $369,900
Price Range $99,000 – $496,350 $120,366 – $759,637
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 225 HP 245 HP
Cruise Speed 109 kts (202 km/h) 113 kts (209 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 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
Useful Load 882 lbs (400 kg) 994 lbs (451 kg)
Fuel Capacity 31.0 gal (117 L) 46.0 gal (174 L)
Fuel Burn 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $150,000 $150,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $200 $200
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R44 Raven I

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/yr

Robinson R44 Raven II

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Raven I or Robinson R44 Raven II?

Bottom line: Choose the Raven I to buy into R44 ownership for less — a proven four-seat piston that does the job for training, private flying and light work at the lowest entry point. Choose the Raven II for its fuel-injected engine: more power in reserve, stronger hot-and-high performance and none of the carburettor-icing risk the Raven I carries. On safety that injection is the real difference — removing carb ice and adding density-altitude margin — while both demand the low-G rotor discipline every two-bladed Robinson asks of its pilots. For most buyers it is the same R44, with or without the engine upgrade most come to want.

Pick the R44 Raven I if…

  • Budget matters — from $99,000 vs $120,366, you save ~$21,366.

Pick the R44 Raven II if…

  • Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 109 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 2002 vs 2000.
  • More inventory — 264 listings vs 113.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the R44 Raven I and Raven II?
The engine. The Raven I uses a carburetted Lycoming; the Raven II uses a fuel-injected version with more power and better high-altitude and hot-weather performance, and no carburettor icing. The airframe and four-seat cabin are essentially the same.
Is the Raven II worth the extra cost?
For hot, high or heavily loaded flying, usually yes — the fuel-injected engine holds power where the Raven I falls off, and removes carb-ice risk. For lower, cooler, lighter operations the Raven I does the same job for less.
Are R44s hard to fly safely?
The R44 is widely flown and approachable, but like all two-bladed Robinsons it demands specific low-G rotor discipline and quality type training. That applies equally to both Raven models.
Which is better, Robinson R44 Raven I or Robinson R44 Raven II?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 Raven I cruises at 109 kts with 300 nm range. The R44 Raven II cruises at 113 kts with 300 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44 Raven I: from $97,469. Robinson R44 Raven II: from $420,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Raven I and Robinson R44 Raven II?
R44 Raven I engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp). R44 Raven II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp). Cruise: 109 vs 113 kts. Range: 300 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Raven I: about $200/hr variable cost. R44 Raven 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 Raven I: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load. R44 Raven II: 4 seats / 994 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 Raven I: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000. R44 Raven II: 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