Enstrom 280 vs Robinson R22

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Enstrom 280

No active listings right now.

Robinson R22
For sale now
147
Median asking
$107,000
Range
$39,000–$377,766
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1984–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Enstrom 280Robinson R22
All events86520
Serious1247
Fatal15112
Fatalities25157
% Fatal17%22%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Enstrom 280 Robinson R22
Robinson R22
View 145 listings →
Median $107,000
Price Range $39,000 – $377,766
Category Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2
Horsepower 124 HP
Cruise Speed 95 kts (176 km/h) 96 kts (178 km/h)
Range 237 nm (439 km) 209 nm (387 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) 1,370 lbs (621 kg)
Useful Load 454 lbs (206 kg)
Fuel Capacity 17.0 gal (64 L)
Fuel Burn 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $60,000
Annual Fixed $15,000
Hourly Variable $140
Engines 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Enstrom 280

Robinson R22

Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $43,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Enstrom 280 or Robinson R22?

Pick the 280 if…

  • Longer range — 237 nm vs 209 nm.

Pick the R22 if…

  • Faster cruise — 96 kts vs 95 kts.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Enstrom 280 or Robinson R22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 280 cruises at 95 kts with 237 nm range. The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22: from $306,758. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Enstrom 280 and Robinson R22?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp). Cruise: 95 vs 96 kts. Range: 237 vs 209 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22: about $140/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
R22: 2 seats / 454 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
R22: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data