Schweizer 300C Helicopter in New Zealand
The Schweizer 300C (also known as the Hughes 300C) is a three-seat, piston-engine helicopter that has served as one of the primary helicopter training platforms worldwide for decades. Powered by a Lycoming HIO-360 engine, the 300C burns approximately 8 gallons per hour of avgas, making it one of the most economical helicopters to operate.
Variable hourly costs average around $180, with annual fixed costs near $20,000. The three-seat configuration places the student and instructor side by side with a third seat behind, and the fully articulated three-blade main rotor system provides honest, responsive flight characteristics that are excellent for learning helicopter fundamentals.
The Schweizer 300C appeals to helicopter flight schools, ranchers, aerial applicators, and private owners who want the most affordable path to helicopter flight. Its low acquisition cost, simple maintenance requirements, and proven reliability make it a practical choice for operators on a budget. While not as fast or powerful as turbine helicopters, the 300C excels in its role as a trainer and light utility helicopter, and its long production history ensures adequate parts support.
1 used Schweizer 300C helicopters for sale in New Zealand · 3-seat · $10,000–$297,749 · market reference $300,000 · updated 2 days ago
Schweizer 300C Specifications
Model specThe Schweizer 300C is a 3-seat piston helicopters with a cruise speed of 67–75 kt (124–139 km/h), a range of 194–195 nm (359–361 km), and a useful load of 600–900 lbs (272–408 kg).
Schweizer 300C for Sale
Schweizer 300C asking prices range from $10,000 to $297,749, with a median of $145,000 (market reference $300,000).
Schweizer 300C Variants
Compare Schweizer 300C
See how the Schweizer 300C stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Schweizer 300C Price & Cost
How much does a Schweizer 300C cost? Used 300C prices: $10K – $297K, average $145K (median $145K); market reference $300K, across 5 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.
Buying a Used Schweizer 300C
Buying a Schweizer 300C comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:
What to check before buying
Frequently Asked Questions — Schweizer 300C
Is the Schweizer 300C a good training helicopter?
Schweizer 300C vs. Robinson R22 for flight training?
Schweizer 300C Inventory by Country
| United States | 3 |
| Canada | 1 |
| Colombia | 1 |
| New Zealand | 1 |
Schweizer 300C Inventory by State
| Texas | 3 |
Schweizer 300C by Price
| Under $100k | 1 |
| Under $200k | 6 |
| Under $300k | 12 |
| Under $500k | 13 |
Schweizer 300C by Decade
| 1990s | 1 |
Schweizer 300C Safety Record
Across all 300C variants, 15 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1990–2013. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
15
Total Events
7
Incidents
3
Serious
0
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 01, 2013 | Hamilton, MT | Incident | The student pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during a practice autorotation and the flight instructor's de… |
| Nov 14, 2010 | Broomfield, CO | Incident | The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to t… |
| Jun 02, 2008 | Ogden, UT | Serious | The pilot under instruction's encounter with a settling with power condition, and the flight instructor's failure to mai… |
| Jul 12, 2006 | Titusville, FL | Minor | The failure of the certificated flight instructor (CFI) to maintain control of the helicopter, which resulted in an in-f… |
| Aug 17, 2002 | Haleyville, AL | Serious | The failure of maintenance personnel to perform an adequate inspection of loose intake components, which resulted in a t… |
NTSB records 1990–2013. Includes all Schweizer 300C variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.