Schweizer 300 vs Robinson R22
The Schweizer 300 (269) and Robinson R22 are the two classic piston training helicopters — the Schweizer a rugged, fully-articulated three-seater; the R22 the lighter, faster, far more common two-seat trainer.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 19
- Median asking
- $212,000
- Range
- $86,800–$325,805
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 9
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1978–2024
- 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) | Schweizer 300 | Robinson R22 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 17 | 520 |
| Serious | 3 | 47 |
| Fatal | 0 | 112 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 157 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 22% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Schweizer 300 | Robinson R22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $86,800 – $325,805 | $39,000 – $377,766 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 124 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 67 kts (124 km/h) | 96 kts (178 km/h) |
| Range | 194 nm (359 km) | 209 nm (387 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,050 lbs (930 kg) | 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
EstimateSchweizer 300
Robinson R22
Which Should You Buy: Schweizer 300 or Robinson R22?
Bottom line: Choose the Robinson R22 for lower cost, the largest training fleet/network and speed; choose the Schweizer 300 for ruggedness, a forgiving fully-articulated rotor and a reputation for durability in the training role. R22 = value/network; Schweizer 300 = rugged/forgiving.
Pick the 300 if…
Pick the R22 if…
- Budget matters — from $39,000 vs $86,800, you save ~$47,800.
- Faster cruise — 96 kts vs 67 kts.
- Longer range — 209 nm vs 194 nm.
- More inventory — 145 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.