Robinson R22 Helicopter in California
California's diverse terrain (coastal, high-desert, mountain) makes it a strong test market for high-performance and turbocharged aircraft. Significant GA infrastructure spans LA Basin, SF Bay Area, San Diego and Central Valley. Coastal flying demands attention to corrosion; mountain flying needs hot-and-high training.
4 used Robinson R22 helicopters for sale in California · 2-seat · $65K – $392K · updated 1 hour ago
About the Robinson R22
The Robinson R22 is a two-seat light helicopter, first delivered in 1979 and one of the most widely used training helicopters in the world. Powered by a derated Lycoming O-320 piston engine, it is prized for very low operating cost and benign handling, though its low-inertia rotor demands disciplined technique.
Used R22 prices vary widely by variant and hours remaining to the strict 2,200-hour / 12-year overhaul: early R22/Alpha are the cheapest entry, the Beta II is the most capable and sought-after. Most owner/training examples trade between $90,000 and $300,000.
Robinson R22 Specifications
Model specThe Robinson R22 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 454–490 lbs (206–222 kg).
4 Robinson R22 For Sale
There are currently 4 used Robinson R22 for sale, ranging from $65,000 to $392,000, with a median asking price of $116,000.
Robinson R22 Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R22 Alpha | 1983–1985 | 2 | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 209 nm (387 km) | — | from $99K | Lowest-cost entry into ownership | 1 |
| R22 Beta | 1985–1995 | 2 | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 209 nm (387 km) | — | $18K – $295K | Budget training and time-building | 55 |
| R22 Beta II | 1995–now | 2 | 95 kts (176 km/h) | 240 nm (444 km) | 490 lbs (222 kg) | $49K – $449K | Schools and owners wanting the newest airframe | 91 |
Compare Robinson R22
See how the Robinson R22 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
⏲ Compare Robinson R22 generations →Robinson R22 Price & Cost
How much does a Robinson R22 cost? Used R22 prices: $65K – $392K, average $191K (median $116K), across 3 priced of 4 active listings. New from the factory: ~$330K (Beta II, 2024).
Based on 17 priced 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 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 $393,500 (2026). Bars scaled across the range to show the depreciation curve; hover for exact medians.
Buying a Used Robinson R22
Every Robinson R22 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 $60,000 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
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Robinson R22 Inventory by Country
| United States | 115 |
| Italy | 6 |
| Australia | 5 |
| Austria | 4 |
| United Kingdom | 3 |
| Canada | 2 |
Robinson R22 Inventory by State
| Florida | 4 |
| California | 3 |
| Illinois | 2 |
| Utah | 2 |
Robinson R22 by Price
| Under $100k | 52 |
| Under $200k | 89 |
| Under $300k | 97 |
| Under $500k | 110 |
Recently Sold Robinson R22
| 1990 R22 Beta | $170,000 |
| 1990 R22 Beta | $170,000 |
| 1989 R22 Beta | $103,523 |
| 2005 R22 Beta II | $302,329 |
| 2000 R22 Beta II | $199,000 |
| 1990 R22 Beta | $170,000 |
Robinson R22 Safety Record
Across all R22 variants, 520 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 02, 2025 | Chillagoe, | Incident | — |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Colombo, OF | Incident | — |
| Oct 09, 2025 | Rutland Plains, | Fatal (1) | — |
| Oct 03, 2025 | Brogans Creek, OF | Fatal (1) | — |
| Jul 01, 2025 | Anthony Lagoon, | Incident | — |
NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Robinson R22 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.