Robinson R22 Beta II vs Robinson R44 Raven II

The Robinson R22 (two-seat piston, Lycoming O-360, ~96 kt) and R44 (four-seat piston, fuel-injected IO-540, ~110 kt) are the world's most popular training and personal helicopters — the R22 the minimalist two-seat trainer, the R44 the four-seat step-up that most owners actually fly.

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 Raven II
For sale now
269
Median asking
$369,900
Range
$120,366–$759,637
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
60
Source marketplaces
15
Model years available
2001–2026

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 Raven II
All events153
Serious30
Fatal21
Fatalities22
% Fatal13%33%
View full Robinson R22 Beta II NTSB record →View full Robinson R44 Raven II NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R22 Beta II Robinson R44 Raven II
Robinson R22 Beta II
View 88 listings →
Median $117,500
 Robinson R44 Raven II
View 258 listings →
Median $369,900
Price Range $49,000 – $394,550 $120,366 – $759,637
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2 4
Horsepower 131 HP 245 HP
Cruise Speed 95 kts (176 km/h) 113 kts (209 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) 994 lbs (451 kg)
Fuel Capacity 27.0 gal (102 L) 46.0 gal (174 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 Raven II

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 Raven II?

Bottom line: Choose the R22 for the lowest-cost helicopter training and time-building — light, economical, the global ab-initio standard, but demanding (low inertia rotor) and tight on payload. Step up to the R44 for genuine four-seat utility, more comfortable cruise and a far more usable personal/cross-country helicopter — the volume choice for owners who want to carry people, not just train.

Pick the R22 Beta II if…

  • Budget matters — from $49,000 vs $120,366, you save ~$71,366.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $200/hr.

Pick the R44 Raven II if…

  • More seats — 4 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 95 kts.
  • Longer range — 300 nm vs 240 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2002 vs 1995.
  • More inventory — 258 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 Raven II?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 Beta II cruises at 95 kts with 240 nm range. The R44 Raven II cruises at 113 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 Raven II: from $405,000. 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 Raven II?
R22 Beta II engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (131 hp). R44 Raven II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp). Seats: 2 vs 4. Cruise: 95 vs 113 kts. Range: 240 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Beta II: about $140/hr variable cost. R44 Raven II: 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 Raven II: 4 seats / 994 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 Raven II: 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