Robinson R44 vs Schweizer 333
The Robinson R44 and Schweizer 333 are different answers to light-helicopter flying: the R44 is a four-seat piston, while the three-seat 333 is a turbine derivative of the 300-series airframe.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 | Schweizer 333 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $23,292 – $899,999 | — |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 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 | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 48.0 gal (182 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
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 or Schweizer 333?
Bottom line: pick the R44 for four seats, higher speed and a far larger used market at lower cost. Pick the Schweizer 333 if you specifically want a small turbine with the rugged 300-series rotor system and can accept fewer seats and a thin used market.
Pick the R44 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 3.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 100 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1993 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 or Schweizer 333?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 cruises at 110 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 and Schweizer 333?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
333 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20W (230 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 3.
Cruise: 110 vs 100 kts.
Range: 300 vs 320 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.
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: 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