Robinson R44 Astro vs Schweizer 300C
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Robinson R44 Astro
- For sale now
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1994–1999
Schweizer 300C
- For sale now
- 7
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 1978–2024
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 R44 Astro | Schweizer 300C |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 15 |
| Serious | — | 3 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Astro | Schweizer 300C |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $26,237 – $130,900 | $35,600 – $298,407 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 225 HP | 190 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 75 kts (139 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 195 nm (361 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 2,050 lbs (930 kg) |
| Useful Load | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 600 lbs (272 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 31.0 gal (117 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $80,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Astro
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Schweizer 300C
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$56,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Astro or Schweizer 300C?
Pick the R44 Astro if…
- Budget matters — from $26,237 vs $35,600, you save ~$9,363.
- More seats — 4 vs 3.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 75 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 195 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1975.
Pick the 300C if…
- More inventory — 7 listings vs 5.
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 R44 Astro or Schweizer 300C?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Astro cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
The 300C cruises at 75 kts with 195 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44 Astro: from $139,000.
Schweizer 300C: from $280,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Astro and Schweizer 300C?
R44 Astro engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp).
300C engine: Lycoming HIO-360-D1A (190 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 3.
Cruise: 110 vs 75 kts.
Range: 300 vs 195 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Astro: about $180/hr variable cost.
300C: about $180/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?
R44 Astro: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load.
300C: 3 seats / 600 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?
R44 Astro: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
300C: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$80,000.
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