Schweizer 300C Helicopter under $100,000
1 used Schweizer 300C helicopters for sale under $100,000 · 3-seat · from $10K · updated 10 hours ago
About the Schweizer 300C
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.
Schweizer 300C Specifications
Model specThe Schweizer 300C is a 3-seat piston helicopters with a cruise speed of 75 kt (139 km/h), a range of 195 nm (361 km), and a useful load of 600 lbs (272 kg).
1 Schweizer 300C For Sale
There are currently 1 used Schweizer 300C for sale, ranging from $10,000 to $10,000, with a median asking price of $10,000.
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: from $10K, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.
Based on 1 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.
Buying a Used Schweizer 300C
Every Schweizer 300C 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 $80,000 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 — 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 | 11 |
| Canada | 1 |
| Colombia | 1 |
| New Zealand | 1 |
Schweizer 300C Inventory by State
| Texas | 4 |
Schweizer 300C by Price
| Under $100k | 1 |
| Under $200k | 6 |
| Under $300k | 10 |
| Under $500k | 13 |
Schweizer 300C by Decade
| 2000s | 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.
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.