Robinson R22 vs Enstrom 280FX

The Robinson R22 and Enstrom 280FX are both piston helicopters, but aimed differently: the R22 is the world's standard two-seat trainer, while the heavier three-seat 280FX is built for robustness and a more stable ride.

Live Market Snapshot

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

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
Enstrom 280FX
For sale now
7
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
3
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1978–2003

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 R22Enstrom 280FX
All events52021
Serious473
Fatal1123
Fatalities1576
% Fatal22%14%
View full Robinson R22 NTSB record →View full Enstrom 280FX NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R22 Enstrom 280FX
Robinson R22
View 145 listings →
Median $107,000
 Enstrom 280FX
View 7 listings →
Median $157,000
Price Range $39,000 – $377,766 $133,992 – $213,750
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2 3
Horsepower 124 HP 225 HP
Cruise Speed 96 kts (178 km/h) 95 kts (176 km/h)
Range 209 nm (387 km) 260 nm (482 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) —
Max Gross Weight 1,370 lbs (621 kg) 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg)
Useful Load 454 lbs (206 kg) 930 lbs (422 kg)
Fuel Capacity 17.0 gal (64 L) —
Fuel Burn 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) —
TBO 2,200 hrs 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $60,000 —
Annual Fixed $15,000 —
Hourly Variable $140 —
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Reciprocating

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R22

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

Enstrom 280FX

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R22 or Enstrom 280FX?

Bottom line: pick the R22 for the lowest training and ownership cost and the largest used market and support network. Pick the Enstrom 280FX if you want a third seat and a heavier, more forgiving airframe, and don't mind a much thinner used market.

Pick the R22 if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,000 vs $133,992, you save ~$94,992.
  • Faster cruise — 96 kts vs 95 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 1979 vs 1975.
  • More inventory — 145 listings vs 7.

Pick the 280FX if…

  • More seats — 3 vs 2.
  • Longer range — 260 nm vs 209 nm.

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 or Enstrom 280FX?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. The 280FX cruises at 95 kts with 260 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22: from $306,758. Enstrom 280FX: from $195,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R22 and Enstrom 280FX?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp). 280FX engine: Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD (225 hp). Seats: 2 vs 3. Cruise: 96 vs 95 kts. Range: 209 vs 260 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. 280FX: 3 seats / 930 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. 280FX: 1,500-hour TBO. 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