Schweizer 300C vs Enstrom 280FX
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Schweizer 300C
- For sale now
- 7
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 1978–2024
Enstrom 280FX
- 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) | Schweizer 300C | Enstrom 280FX |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 15 | 21 |
| Serious | 3 | 3 |
| Fatal | 0 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 6 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 14% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Schweizer 300C | Enstrom 280FX |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $35,600 – $298,407 | $133,992 – $213,750 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 3 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 190 HP | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 75 kts (139 km/h) | 95 kts (176 km/h) |
| Range | 195 nm (361 km) | 260 nm (482 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,050 lbs (930 kg) | 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) |
| Useful Load | 600 lbs (272 kg) | 930 lbs (422 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $80,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateSchweizer 300C
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$56,000/yr
Enstrom 280FX
Which Should You Buy: Schweizer 300C or Enstrom 280FX?
Pick the 300C if…
- Budget matters — from $35,600 vs $133,992, you save ~$98,392.
Pick the 280FX if…
- Faster cruise — 95 kts vs 75 kts.
- Longer range — 260 nm vs 195 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Schweizer 300C or Enstrom 280FX?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 300C cruises at 75 kts with 195 nm range.
The 280FX cruises at 95 kts with 260 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Schweizer 300C: from $280,000.
Enstrom 280FX: from $195,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Schweizer 300C and Enstrom 280FX?
300C engine: Lycoming HIO-360-D1A (190 hp).
280FX engine: Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD (225 hp).
Cruise: 75 vs 95 kts.
Range: 195 vs 260 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
300C: 3 seats / 600 lb useful load.
280FX: 3 seats / 930 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?
300C: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$80,000.
280FX: 1,500-hour TBO.
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