Robinson R44 vs Schweizer 300CB

Live Market Snapshot

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

Robinson R44
For sale now
446
Median asking
$337,560
Range
$103,500–$722,186
Model years available
1994–2026
Schweizer 300CB
For sale now
2
Model years available
1995–1997

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 R44Schweizer 300CB
All events366
Serious33
Fatal165
Fatalities345
% Fatal45%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R44 Schweizer 300CB
Robinson R44
View 16 listings →
Median $337,560
Schweizer 300CB
View 2 listings →
Median $189,000
Price Range $103,500 – $722,186 $153,000 – $225,000
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 4 3
Horsepower 225 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) 67 kts (124 km/h)
Range 300 nm (556 km) 194 nm (359 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 1,750 lbs (794 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) 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $150,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $18,000
Hourly Variable $200 $160
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R44

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

Schweizer 300CB

Fuel$55/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $50,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 or Schweizer 300CB?

Pick the R44 if…

  • Budget matters — from $103,500 vs $153,000, you save ~$49,500.
  • More seats — 4 vs 3.
  • Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 67 kts.
  • Longer range — 300 nm vs 194 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1975.
  • More inventory — 16 listings vs 2.

Pick the 300CB if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$160/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 Schweizer 300CB?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range. The 300CB cruises at 67 kts with 194 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Schweizer 300CB: from $229,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 and Schweizer 300CB?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (225 hp). Seats: 4 vs 3. Cruise: 110 vs 67 kts. Range: 300 vs 194 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: about $200/hr variable cost. 300CB: about $160/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. 300CB: 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. 300CB: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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