Robinson R22 Helicopter in Canada

Canadian-registered aircraft (C- prefix) operate under Transport Canada certification standards similar to FAA but with specific differences in maintenance, equipment, and operations. Canadian aircraft frequently transact cross-border to US buyers; import process requires FAA airworthiness re-certification and possible equipment changes.

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 helicopter for sale

2 used Robinson R22 helicopters for sale in Canada · 2-seat · Used median asking $74,999 · updated 2 days ago

Robinson R22 Specifications

Model spec

The 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 390–490 lbs (177–222 kg).

Performance
Cruise95–96 kt (176–178 km/h)
Max Speed102 kt (189 km/h)
Range209–240 nm (387–444 km)
Service Ceiling14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineLycoming O-320
Horsepower124–131 HP
Fuel Capacity17.0–27.0 gal (64–102 L)
Fuel Burn8.0–10.0 GPH (30–38 L/h)
TBO2,200 hrs
ICAO TypeR22
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Max Gross Weight1,370 lbs (621 kg)
Useful Load390–490 lbs (177–222 kg)
Production1979–present

Robinson R22 for Sale

Robinson R22 asking prices range from $69,999 to $79,999, with a median of $74,999.

1993 Robinson R22 Beta

1993 Robinson R22 Beta for sale below typical asking range
$69,999
For Sale
Reg# C-GQHA Canada
Location Cambridge, ON, Canada
Via Rotor Services Limited
Multiple sources

1992 Robinson R22 Beta

1992 Robinson R22 Beta for sale below typical asking range
$79,999
For Sale
Total Time 10,077
Reg# C-GDIQ Canada
Location Cambridge, ON, Canada
Via Rotor Services Limited
Multiple sources

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) 390 lbs (177 kg) — Lowest-cost entry into ownership 1
R22 Beta 1985–1995 2 96 kts (178 km/h) 209 nm (387 km) 490 lbs (222 kg) $18K – $229K Budget training and time-building 44
R22 Beta II 1995–now 2 95 kts (176 km/h) 240 nm (444 km) 490 lbs (222 kg) $49K – $372K Schools and owners wanting the newest airframe 57

Compare Robinson R22

See how the Robinson R22 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

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Robinson R22 Price & Cost

How much does a Robinson R22 cost? Used R22 prices: $69K – $79K, average $74K (median $74K), across 2 priced of 2 active listings. New from the factory: ~$330K (Beta II, 2024).

Robinson R22 Price Guide

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 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (10.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$6,200/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$15,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$140/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,200 hrs)$60,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

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.

$442K $246K $49K
$146K
$69K
$109K
$139K
$72K
$89K
$69K
$49K
$139K
$99K
$105K
$90K
$119K
$69K
$89K
$237K
$153K
$319K
$442K
’90
’92
’94
’98
’00
’02
’04
’06
’12
’26

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 guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Robinson R22

Buying a Robinson R22 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The ownership math is dominated by the component-overhaul clock: many major components and the airframe are controlled by hour/calendar limits commonly discussed around the 2,200-hour/12-year overhaul cycle. A buyer should price the remaining component life before caring about the purchase price.

Frequently Asked Questions — Robinson R22

How much does a Robinson R22 cost?
Used R22 prices range from about $33K to $395K, with the median around $232K. A brand-new R22 typically loses about $100K in the first year of depreciation.
What does it cost to operate an R22?
Around $120 per hour when flying ~150 hours per year, including reserves and insurance - the lowest operating cost of any production helicopter.
Is the R22 a good trainer?
Yes. The R22 was not originally designed as a trainer but became the world's most popular initial helicopter trainer because of its low operating cost. It's more demanding to fly than larger helicopters, which is why FAA SFAR 73 requires specific R22 training endorsements.
Is the R22 hard to fly?
More demanding than larger helicopters: the low-inertia rotor and quick controls leave less margin for error. Most students complete primary training in the R22 with a properly endorsed CFI.
How many hours before overhaul (TBO)?
The R22 has a 2,200-hour or 12-year overhaul interval (whichever comes first), covering engine, airframe and rotor system.
How many seats does the R22 have?
2 seats (pilot plus one passenger).
What are the R22 variants?
The current production model is the R22 Beta II (since 1995). Earlier variants include the R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, R22 Mariner (floats) and the original R22.
Do you need special training to fly a Robinson R22?
Yes. The R22 is covered by FAA SFAR 73, which mandates specific awareness training and endorsements (covering low-G, energy management and rotor RPM) before a pilot may act as pilot-in-command or instruct in the R22. Most flight schools build this into their R22 syllabus.
How much does it cost to insure a Robinson R22?
R22 hull insurance typically runs about 3-5% of hull value per year for low-time pilots, falling sharply as make-specific hours build. Because the R22 is mainly a trainer, premiums hinge heavily on pilot experience and whether the aircraft is used for instruction.
Can you finance a Robinson R22?
Yes. Aircraft lenders finance the R22 with typically 15-20% down and 10-20 year terms, subject to a satisfactory pre-buy inspection and clear logbooks. Its strong trainer demand supports resale and financing terms.

Robinson R22 Inventory by Country

United States119
United Kingdom6
Austria5
Australia4
New Zealand3
Canada2

Robinson R22 Inventory by State

California4
Florida4
New York2
Utah2

Robinson R22 by Price

Under $100k57
Under $200k95
Under $300k106
Under $500k121

Robinson R22 by Decade

1990s2

Recently Sold Robinson R22

2000 R22 Beta II$336,677
1990 R22 Beta$170,000
1990 R22 Beta$170,000
1990 R22 Beta$170,000
1990 R22 Beta$170,000
1989 R22 Beta$103,523

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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.

520

Total Events

278

Incidents

47

Serious

112

Fatal

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.

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 2 days ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data