Frequently asked questions
Robinson R22: what is it and what to check before buying?
The Robinson R22 is a helicopter by Robinson Helicopter (the US), in production since 1979. It seats 2, with 400 km range, a 175 km/h cruise and a single Lycoming O-360. When buying, the world's most numerous training helicopter. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does a Robinson R22 cost: purchase and upkeep?
For the Robinson R22: a used-market price of $350K. At 300–400 h/year, running cost is about $173K/yr, or $433/h. The final figure depends on year, hours and condition. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is Robinson known for and which models are in the range?
California's Robinson is the most prolific maker of civil helicopters in history: over 14,000 built. The range: the piston two-seat R22 and four-seat R44, the turbine five-seat R66 and the announced ten-seat R88. The formula for success is an extremely simple design, a low price (R44 from ~$0.6M) and the cheapest maintenance on the market. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable is the Robinson R66 and what are its features?
The R66 has a turboshaft Rolls-Royce RR300 with a 2,000-hour overhaul interval and an airframe overhaul every 2,200 hours or 12 years — the schedule is transparent and predictable. The R66 fleet has passed 1,000 machines and logged millions of hours in 60+ countries, including hot and high-altitude Central Asian conditions. The main safety rules are flying discipline and avoiding low-G. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does a Robinson cost and how does it hold value?
A new R66 is $1.2–1.5M depending on fit, the R44 Raven II $0.6–0.75M. The pre-owned market is unusually strong: after overhaul an R44 sells at almost new price, and a five-year-old R66 loses only 10–15%. The reason is huge demand for training and private transport against short supply: the factory can't keep up with orders. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does the Robinson R66 differ from the Bell 505?
Both are light turbine five-seaters. The Bell 505 is more modern in avionics (Garmin G1000H NXi as standard) and roomier in the cabin, but costs from $1.7M versus $1.2–1.5M for the R66 and is about 1.5 times dearer to service. The R66 is lighter, more economical (~85 L/hour burn) and sells instantly used. For fleet operation the Bell is often chosen, for private ownership the Robinson. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
