Robinson R44 vs Robinson R22
The Robinson R22 and R44 share a family resemblance but serve different missions. The two-seat R22 is the world's standard trainer and the cheapest Robinson to own; the four-seat R44 carries a family or light commercial load and is widely considered easier to fly.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 | Robinson R22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,292 – $899,999 | $18,000 – $449,000 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 124 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 96 kts (178 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 209 nm (387 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) |
| Useful Load | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 454 lbs (206 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 48.0 gal (182 L) | 17.0 gal (64 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $60,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Robinson R22
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$43,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 or Robinson R22?
Bottom line: choose the R22 if your goal is learning to fly, building hours or the lowest possible operating cost with two seats. Choose the R44 when you need to carry passengers or use the aircraft for private transport and light commercial work.
Pick the R44 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 96 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 209 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1979.
- More inventory — 478 listings vs 151.
Pick the R22 if…
- Budget matters — from $18,000 vs $23,292, you save ~$5,292.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.
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 Robinson R22?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 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 and Robinson R22?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 110 vs 96 kts.
Range: 300 vs 209 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: about $200/hr variable cost.
R22: about $140/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.
R22: 2 seats / 454 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.
R22: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000.
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