Enstrom 280FX Helicopter under $100,000
The Enstrom 280FX is the sportier-looking Enstrom piston helicopter for buyers who want a private/training light helicopter outside the Robinson mainstream. Its value is not just style; component life, engine status, parts support, and Enstrom maintenance access decide whether ownership works. Compared with an Enstrom F28A, the 280FX is the sleeker branch; compared with an R22 or R44, it brings a different support ecosystem and cabin feel.
· 3-seat · $131,870–$220,000 · market reference $215,000 · updated recently
Enstrom 280FX Specifications
Model specThe Enstrom 280FX is a 3-seat piston helicopters with a cruise speed of 95 kt (176 km/h), a range of 260 nm (482 km), and a useful load of 930 lbs (422 kg).
Enstrom 280FX for Sale
Enstrom 280FX asking prices range from $131,870 to $220,000, with a median of $157,000 (market reference $215,000).
No Enstrom 280FX currently listed for sale.
This page updates automatically the moment one is listed — check back soon, or browse the Enstrom range.
Compare Enstrom 280FX
See how the Enstrom 280FX stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Enstrom 280FX Price & Cost
How much does a Enstrom 280FX cost? Used 280FX prices: $131K – $220K, average $157K (median $157K); market reference $215K, across 6 priced of 0 active listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Enstrom 280FX
Buying a Enstrom 280FX comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:
What to check before buying
Frequently Asked Questions — Enstrom 280FX
Is the Enstrom 280FX a good Robinson alternative?
What should buyers check on a 280FX?
How is the 280FX different from the F28A?
Enstrom 280FX Inventory by Country
| United States | 8 |
| Slovenia | 3 |
| Guatemala | 1 |
Enstrom 280FX Inventory by State
| California | 2 |
| Florida | 2 |
Enstrom 280FX by Price
| Under $100k | 1 |
| Under $200k | 11 |
| Under $300k | 13 |
| Under $500k | 14 |
Recently Sold Enstrom 280FX
| 1978 280C SHARK | $130,000 |
| 1997 280FX SHARK | $209,000 |
Enstrom 280FX Safety Record
Across all 280FX variants, 21 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1988–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
21
Total Events
13
Incidents
3
Serious
3
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 15, 2025 | Waterford, CA | Serious | The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water while operating at a low altitude. |
| Jul 27, 2024 | Russellville, KY | Incident | The flight instructor’s failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm while maneuvering the helicopter low to the ground, whi… |
| Feb 15, 2024 | Lewistown, MT | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s encounter with low … |
| Aug 25, 2021 | Llanfachreth, OF | Incident | — |
| Jan 26, 2015 | Erie, CO | Fatal (2) | An in-flight failure of the helicopter's #2 main rotor spindle due to undetected fatigue cracking, which resulted in an … |
NTSB records 1988–2025. Includes all Enstrom 280FX variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.