Robinson R22 Beta II vs Robinson R44

This compares the four-seat R44 with the two-seat R22 Beta II — stepping up from Robinson's trainer to its family helicopter. Same maker, same handling lineage, different mission.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Robinson R22 Beta II
For sale now
90
Median asking
$117,500
Range
$49,000–$394,550
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
8
Source marketplaces
8
Model years available
1996–2026
Robinson R44
For sale now
446
Median asking
$337,560
Range
$103,500–$722,186
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
94
Source marketplaces
17
Model years available
1994–2026

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)Robinson R22 Beta IIRobinson R44
All events15366
Serious333
Fatal2165
Fatalities2345
% Fatal13%45%
View full Robinson R22 Beta II NTSB record →View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R22 Beta II Robinson R44
Robinson R22 Beta II
View 88 listings →
Median $117,500
 Robinson R44
View 426 listings →
Median $337,560
Price Range $49,000 – $394,550 $103,500 – $722,186
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2 4
Horsepower 131 HP 260 HP
Cruise Speed 95 kts (176 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 240 nm (444 km) 300 nm (556 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,370 lbs (621 kg) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
Useful Load 490 lbs (222 kg) 882 lbs (400 kg)
Fuel Capacity 27.0 gal (102 L) 48.0 gal (182 L)
Fuel Burn 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $60,000 $150,000
Annual Fixed $15,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $140 $200
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R22 Beta II

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $43,000/yr

Robinson R44

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 Beta II or Robinson R44?

Bottom line: choose the R22 Beta II for the lowest operating cost (~$140/hr) and two-seat training or hour-building. Choose the R44 when you need to carry up to four people and want more speed and range for private transport — at a higher but still modest entry price.

Pick the R22 Beta II if…

  • Budget matters — from $49,000 vs $103,500, you save ~$54,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1995 vs 1993.

Pick the R44 if…

  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 95 kts.
  • Longer range — 300 nm vs 240 nm.
  • More inventory — 426 listings vs 88.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Robinson R22 Beta II or Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 Beta II cruises at 95 kts with 240 nm range. The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22 Beta II: from $65,000. Robinson R44: from $650,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 Beta II and Robinson R44?
R22 Beta II engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (131 hp). R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp). Seats: 2 vs 4. Cruise: 95 vs 110 kts. Range: 240 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Beta II: about $140/hr variable cost. R44: about $200/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 Beta II: 2 seats / 490 lb useful load. R44: 4 seats / 882 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 Beta II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000. R44: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000. 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