Robinson R22 Alpha Helicopter under $200,000
The Robinson R22 Alpha (1983–1985) was an improved early R22 with revised landing-gear geometry for a better ground attitude, using the Lycoming O-320-B2C. It is a now-rare, low-cost two-seat trainer whose value is dominated by hours remaining to the 2,200-hour / 12-year overhaul.
Buy it if entry price is the only priority and your mission is low and light; choose a Beta or Beta II for more power and a larger used pool.
1 used Robinson R22 Alpha helicopters for sale under $200,000 · 2-seat · Reference price ~$150,000 ($90,000–$240,000) · updated yesterday
Robinson R22 Alpha Specifications
Model specThe Robinson R22 Alpha is a 2-seat piston helicopters with a cruise speed of 95–96 kt (176–178 km/h), a range of 209–240 nm (387–444 km), and a useful load of 390–490 lbs (177–222 kg).
Robinson R22 Alpha for Sale
Robinson R22 Alpha asking prices range from $99,000 to $99,000, with a median of $99,000 (market reference $150,000).
Robinson R22 Alpha Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R22 | 1979–now | 2 | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 209 nm (387 km) | 454 lbs (206 kg) | $54K – $305K | Learning to fly and building hours — the world's standard trainer with the lowest operating cost | 154 |
| R22 Beta | 1985–1995 | 2 | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 209 nm (387 km) | 490 lbs (222 kg) | $18K – $295K | Budget training and time-building | 57 |
| R22 Beta II | 1995–now | 2 | 95 kts (176 km/h) | 240 nm (444 km) | 490 lbs (222 kg) | $49K – $538K | Schools and owners wanting the newest airframe | 95 |
Compare Robinson R22 Alpha
Detailed comparisons for the Robinson R22 Alpha are being prepared.
Browse all Robinson models →Robinson R22 Alpha Price & Cost
How much does a Robinson R22 Alpha cost? Used R22 Alpha prices: from $99K; market reference $150K, across 1 priced of 1 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.
Robinson R22 Alpha Value by Model Year
Median asking price by year of manufacture. Newer airframes command a premium; value falls with age then plateaus on older models.
Lowest around $49,000 (1999 models) · highest around $442,000 (2026). Bars scaled across the range to show the depreciation curve; hover for exact medians.
Buying a Used Robinson R22 Alpha
Every Robinson R22 Alpha faces a mandatory 2,200-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due — a fresh-overhaul airframe can be worth a large share of the $120,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.
What to check before buying
- Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 2,200-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
- Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Robinson R22 Alpha
How much does an R22 Alpha cost?
How does the Alpha differ from the original R22?
Is the R22 Alpha still flyable as a trainer?
What is the R22 overhaul interval?
Robinson R22 Alpha Inventory by Country
| United States | 1 |
Robinson R22 Alpha Inventory by State
| California | 4 |
| Florida | 4 |
| New York | 2 |
| Utah | 2 |
Robinson R22 Alpha by Price
| Under $100k | 58 |
| Under $200k | 95 |
| Under $300k | 106 |
| Under $500k | 121 |
Robinson R22 Alpha by Decade
| 1980s | 1 |
Robinson R22 Alpha Safety Record
Across all R22 Alpha variants, 1 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 2004–2004. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
1
Total Events
0
Incidents
0
Serious
1
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 28, 2004 | Mount Clemens, MI | Fatal (1) | A loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons. |
NTSB records 2004–2004. Includes all Robinson R22 Alpha variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.