Enstrom Helicopters
6 used Enstrom helicopters listings · $133,929–$220,000 · last refreshed 1 hour ago
About Enstrom Helicopter Company
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, based in Menominee, Michigan, has been manufacturing light piston and turbine helicopters since 1959. The company produces three primary models: the F-28F (piston, 205 hp Lycoming HIO-360), 280FX Shark (piston, 225 hp), and the 480B (turbine, Rolls-Royce 250-C20W). Enstrom helicopters are known for their robust, fully articulated rotor systems and relatively low acquisition and operating costs.
The 280FX is the most commonly traded model, with pre-owned prices ranging from $150,000 to $350,000. The turbine 480B typically sells for $500,000-900,000 and offers a spacious cabin suitable for utility, training, and law enforcement roles. Operating costs for the piston models run approximately $150-250 per flight hour. Buyers should verify main rotor and tail rotor component times and check compliance with all applicable Enstrom service bulletins.
Enstrom Helicopters for Sale
Price $133,929–$220,000
Enstrom Helicopters Price & Cost
How much does a Enstrom helicopter cost? Current pricing for used Enstrom helicopters (also known as Enstrom choppers or Enstrom helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
| Type | Model | Used price range | Op cost / hr | Annual fixed | Overhaul cost | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piston Helicopters | $133,929–$220,000 | — | — | — | 6 |
The cost of a Enstrom helicopter depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
Enstrom Models
Piston Helicopters
Enstrom Models — Specifications
Model specCompare Enstrom Helicopters
vs. Competitors (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions — Enstrom
Are Enstrom helicopters reliable?
Enstrom helicopters are known for simple, rugged design. The piston-powered 280 series (F-28, 280C, 280FX) and turbine 480B use conventional mechanical controls without hydraulic boost — meaning fewer systems to fail, though control forces are higher. The Enstrom 480B turbine is described as easy to fly and reliable, with lower maintenance costs than hydraulic-equipped competitors. However, a significant AD grounded 300+ 280FX helicopters after a main rotor spindle failure caused a fatal crash, requiring magnetic particle inspections above 5,000 hours. On AeroGurus, we track 21 Enstrom listings from 49,000 to 67,000.
How much does an Enstrom helicopter cost to operate?
The Enstrom 280C costs approximately 12/hour to operate (at 300 hours/year), while the 280FX runs about ,035/hour. The turbine 480B costs more per hour in fuel but less in total operating expenses due to the Rolls-Royce 250 engine TBO intervals. The 480B actually has lower overall hourly costs than the piston models when factoring in engine overhaul reserves. Pre-owned 280C helicopters average around 35,000, while the 280FX averages 40,000. The 480B commands 00,000-67,000 depending on condition and hours.
Enstrom Inventory by Country
| United States | 8 |
| Slovenia | 5 |
| China | 3 |
| Australia | 2 |
| Guatemala | 1 |
| New Zealand | 1 |
Recently Sold Enstrom
| 1997 280FX SHARK | $209,000 |
| 1978 280C SHARK | $130,000 |