What a Hughes 269 / 300 costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 1 Hughes 269 / 300 aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
How far can a Hughes 269 / 300 fly?
A Hughes 269 / 300 flies about 195 nm, roughly 361 km, which is about 2 h 16 min in still air at typical cruise.
What does a Hughes 269 / 300 cost to own?
A Hughes 269 / 300 costs about EUR 2,403 a month to run, or about EUR 192 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
More questions about the Hughes 269 / 300
How much does a Hughes 269 / 300 cost?
What is the price range for a used Hughes 269 / 300?
How many Hughes 269 / 300 aircraft are for sale right now?
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What should I check when buying a used Hughes 269 / 300?
About the Hughes 269 / 300
Aircraft overview
The Hughes 269 / 300 is a light piston helicopter developed by Hughes Helicopters as a civil trainer and utility aircraft. The Model 269 first flew in 1956, received FAA certification in 1959, and entered production in the early 1960s. Military training versions served as the TH-55 Osage, while the civil line evolved into the Hughes 300 and later the Schweizer 300 after the type certificate changed hands. Its significance in the used market comes from its simple mechanical layout, fully articulated three-blade main rotor, and long history in primary training, private ownership, aerial observation, and light commercial work.
Performance & specifications
Performance depends on variant, engine installation, equipment, and weight, but the Hughes 269 / 300 family is generally a short-range, VFR utility helicopter rather than a fast cross-country machine. Typical cruise speeds are around 75 to 85 knots, with usable range commonly around 175 to 200 nautical miles when fitted with standard fuel. Later 300C models use a Lycoming HIO-360 series horizontally opposed piston engine rated at 190 hp. Published service ceiling for the 300C is about 10,000 feet. Useful load varies by configuration and empty weight, so buyers should compare the actual weight and balance record for each aircraft rather than relying on brochure figures.
Cabin & avionics
The cabin is compact, with excellent outward visibility through the distinctive bubble-style canopy. Early Hughes 269 models are commonly two-seat trainers, while the Hughes 300 and 300C are typically arranged for three seats across, making them useful for instruction, observation, and short local missions. Noise, ventilation, door fit, seat condition, and transparency condition matter in pre-purchase review, especially on aircraft used intensively for training. Avionics are usually conventional VFR equipment: analog flight instruments, engine and rotor tachometers, VHF comm, transponder, encoder, intercom, and often a panel-mounted or portable GPS. Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective style integrated flight decks are not typical factory equipment for this type.
Buying & value
Used Hughes 269 / 300 aircraft are valued for mechanical familiarity, training pedigree, and relatively straightforward piston-helicopter systems. Buyers should review component life status carefully, including main rotor blades, tail rotor components, transmission items, clutch and belt drive condition, engine time, corrosion history, and logbook continuity. Common market distinctions include Hughes 269A and 269B trainers, the more capable Hughes 300, and the 300C with the 190 hp Lycoming installation and three-seat utility appeal. Upgrades often include modern radios, ADS-B compliance, GPS, refurbished interiors, and refreshed transparencies. In the used market, the type generally sits below turbine trainers and utility helicopters in acquisition cost, while requiring disciplined maintenance planning and close attention to life-limited components.