ROBINSON R44 RAVEN II

The Robinson R44 Raven II is the fuel-injected flagship of the R44 family, introduced in July 2002. Its Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 engine produces 245 hp and removes the carburetor-heat and mixture management of earlier R44s, giving noticeably better hot-and-high performance. With four seats, a 2,500 lb gross weight, hydraulically boosted controls and a 130-knot maximum speed, the Raven II is the best-selling piston helicopter in the world and a mainstay of private ownership, flight training and light utility work. It remains in production today, and used examples typically sell between $200,000 and $650,000 depending on year, hours and avionics. Buy it if you want the newest systems, the strongest altitude performance and the best resale value; look at the Raven I instead if budget is the priority and you fly mostly at lower altitudes.