Rotorway Exec 162F vs Robinson R22

The RotorWay Exec 162F and Robinson R22 are two-seat piston light helicopters — the Exec an amateur-built kit with the largest homebuilt-heli community; the R22 the certified two-seat trainer with a vast support fleet.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Rotorway Exec 162F

No active listings right now.

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

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)Rotorway Exec 162FRobinson R22
All events10520
Serious147
Fatal3112
Fatalities4157
% Fatal30%22%
View full Rotorway Exec 162F NTSB record →View full Robinson R22 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Rotorway Exec 162F Robinson R22
Rotorway Exec 162F
View 1 listings →
Median $53,528
 Robinson R22
View 145 listings →
Median $107,000
Price Range $53,528 $39,000 – $377,766
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats — 2
Horsepower — 124 HP
Cruise Speed — 96 kts (178 km/h)
Range — 209 nm (387 km)
Service Ceiling — 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight — 1,370 lbs (621 kg)
Useful Load — 454 lbs (206 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 17.0 gal (64 L)
Fuel Burn — 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO — 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $60,000
Annual Fixed — $15,000
Hourly Variable — $140
Engines — 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Rotorway Exec 162F

Robinson R22

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

Which Should You Buy: Rotorway Exec 162F or Robinson R22?

Bottom line: Choose the Robinson R22 for certified status, a huge support/parts network and proven training use. Choose the RotorWay Exec for lower-cost homebuilt ownership and the build experience — accepting amateur-built status and the need for excellent build quality and discipline.

Pick the Exec 162F if…

Pick the R22 if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,000 vs $53,528, you save ~$14,528.
  • More inventory — 145 listings vs 1.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Rotorway Exec 162F or Robinson R22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Rotorway Exec 162F: from $53,528. Robinson R22: from $306,758. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Rotorway Exec 162F and Robinson R22?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp).
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. 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. 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