Piston Helicopters for Sale
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Browse piston helicopters for sale — the most affordable entry into rotorcraft ownership, with used piston helicopters ranging from $80K for a Robinson R22 to $500K for a late-model R44 Raven II. Compare prices on Robinson R22, R44, Schweizer 300, and Enstrom 280 across multiple aviation marketplaces. Whether you want to buy a helicopter for flight training, personal flying, or aerial photography, piston helicopters offer the lowest operating costs in rotorcraft aviation. Prices range from $49,000 to $449,000 with an average of $166,519 across 62 priced listings.
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Two-Seat Training Helicopters for Sale:
Robinson R22 Beta II, Schweizer 300CBi, Guimbal Cabri G2. 2 seats, 90-100 kts. $80K-$200K. Primary helicopter training and time building at $200-$300/hr.
Four-Seat Piston Helicopters for Sale:
Robinson R44 Raven I/II/Cadet, Enstrom 280FX/480B. 3-4 seats, 100-115 kts. $200K-$500K. Personal flying, photography, ranch/farm use, and private transport.
Popular:
R22 Beta II
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Buying Tips
- ✓ Robinson helicopters have mandatory 2,200-hour or 12-year overhaul — budget $100K-$200K for R44, $60K-$90K for R22.
- ✓ Blade time is critical — R44 main rotor blades cost $8K-$12K per blade, and you need all four replaced as a set.
- ✓ Robinson AD 2020-26-09 requires clutch actuator inspections — verify compliance before purchase.
- ✓ Corrosion is a major issue on coastal helicopters — inspect frame tubes, tail cone, and landing gear struts.
- ✓ Insurance for piston helicopters runs $8K-$25K/yr depending on pilot experience — get quotes before committing.
- ✓ Check float kit and pop-out float installation if used near water — adds $15K-$30K in value for R44.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a piston helicopter cost?
The Robinson R22 Beta II costs $80K-$180K used. The R44 Raven II, the most popular 4-seat piston helicopter, runs $300K-$500K used. Older R44 Raven I models start around $200K. The Enstrom 280FX costs $150K-$250K used, and the Schweizer 300CBi runs $100K-$200K. New R44s list at $540K-$580K from the factory.
How much does it cost to fly a piston helicopter per hour?
Robinson R22: $200-$250/hr including fuel (8 gal/hr), maintenance, and overhaul reserves. Robinson R44: $300-$400/hr (15-16 gal/hr). Enstrom 280: $250-$350/hr. These costs include fuel, maintenance reserves, component overhaul reserves, and insurance amortization. Hangar adds $400-$1,500/month.
What is the best piston helicopter to buy?
The Robinson R44 Raven II is the most popular choice — 4 seats, fuel-injected Lycoming O-540, and the largest support network in piston helicopters. For training only, the R22 Beta II offers the lowest cost. The Guimbal Cabri G2 is gaining popularity as a modern training alternative with composite construction and a Lycoming O-360.
Is a piston helicopter good for personal use?
Yes — the R44 is widely used for personal transport, ranch work, aerial photography, and weekend flying. At $300-$400/hr operating costs and $200K-$500K purchase price, it's the most accessible helicopter for private owners. Range is 300-400 nm, speed 110 kts, and useful load 800-1,000 lbs.
Piston helicopter vs. turbine — which should I buy?
Piston helicopters cost $80K-$500K to buy and $200-$400/hr to operate. Turbine helicopters cost $300K-$3M+ and $500-$1,200/hr. Choose piston for personal flying, training, and budget-conscious operations. Choose turbine if you need commercial revenue capability (tours, utility, EMS), hot/high performance, or greater payload and reliability.
Disclaimer: All prices are asking prices from third-party sources. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and inspection before purchasing.