Robinson R44 vs Enstrom 280FX
The Enstrom 280FX/F28 and Robinson R44 are piston helicopters — the Enstrom a heavier, very stable three-seater with a rugged rotor system; the R44 the lighter, faster, far more common four-seater.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- 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 R44 | Enstrom 280FX |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 366 | 21 |
| Serious | 33 | 3 |
| Fatal | 165 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 345 | 6 |
| % Fatal | 45% | 14% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 | Enstrom 280FX |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $103,500 – $722,186 | $133,992 – $213,750 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 95 kts (176 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 260 nm (482 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) |
| Useful Load | 882 lbs (400 kg) | 930 lbs (422 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 48.0 gal (182 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44
Enstrom 280FX
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 or Enstrom 280FX?
Bottom line: Choose the Robinson R44 for lower cost, higher speed, four seats and the largest support network; choose the Enstrom for a smoother, more stable ride and a robust, no-hour-life rotor system that many find reassuring. R44 = value/speed/support; Enstrom = stability/robustness.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $103,500 vs $133,992, you save ~$30,492.
- More seats — 4 vs 3.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 95 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 260 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1975.
- More inventory — 426 listings vs 7.
Pick the 280FX if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.