Helicopter Robinson R44 Raven II

The R44 Raven II is the world's most numerous light helicopter: a four-seat piston helicopter with a Lycoming IO-540 engine, a range of about 550 km and 202 km/h. In production since 2002, more than 6,000 built. A maximally simple design — minimal electronics, predictable maintenance and repair in any hangar. There is no flight attendant or hot meal service. There is no in-flight baggage access — bags are loaded on the ground. On short hops it typically flies routes such as Vienna–Salzburg · Munich–Kitzbühel · Zurich–St. Moritz. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

Guide figures for the Robinson R44 Raven II: average pre-owned price — $0.35M; new — $0.6M. Running costs at 300–400 h/year — about $173K/year, or $433 per flight hour. The final figure depends on year, hours flown, engine-programme status and configuration. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.