Robinson R44 vs Robinson R22 Beta II

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 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
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

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 R44Robinson R22 Beta II
All events36615
Serious333
Fatal1652
Fatalities3452
% Fatal45%13%
View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →View full Robinson R22 Beta II NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

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

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R44

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

Robinson R22 Beta II

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

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

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 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.

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.

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