Robinson R44 vs Enstrom 280FX
The Robinson R44 and Enstrom 280FX are piston helicopters aimed at private owners. The four-seat R44 offers the largest used market and the strongest resale; the three-seat 280FX is known for its smooth fully-articulated rotor system.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 | Enstrom 280FX |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,292 – $899,999 | $133,929 – $220,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 95 kts (176 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 260 nm (482 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) |
| Useful Load | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 930 lbs (422 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 48.0 gal (182 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Enstrom 280FX
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 or Enstrom 280FX?
Bottom line: the R44 wins on price, availability, cruise speed and four-seat capacity. The 280FX wins on rotor-system smoothness and a more relaxed governor philosophy. Choose the R44 for value and capacity; choose the 280FX if its rotor characteristics suit your mission.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $23,292 vs $133,929, you save ~$110,637.
- More seats — 4 vs 3.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 95 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 260 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1975.
- More inventory — 492 listings vs 6.
Pick the 280FX if…
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 or Enstrom 280FX?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
The 280FX cruises at 95 kts with 260 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Enstrom 280FX: from $195,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 and Enstrom 280FX?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
280FX engine: Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD (225 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 3.
Cruise: 110 vs 95 kts.
Range: 300 vs 260 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: 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: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load.
280FX: 3 seats / 930 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: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
280FX: 1,500-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