Aircraft overview

The Robinson R44 is a four seat, single engine piston helicopter built by Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California. It first flew in 1990 and entered production in 1992, with production continuing today. Positioned above the two seat R22 and below the turbine R66, the Robinson R44 became widely used for private flying, training, aerial observation, utility work and light commercial operations. Its importance in the used market comes from a simple airframe, broad parts support, high production volume and familiar handling across flight schools and private operators.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speed is about 110 knots, with maximum range commonly quoted around 300 nautical miles depending on fuel, loading and reserve policy. Maximum operating altitude is 14,000 feet. Useful load varies by year, equipment and variant, but many examples are in the approximate 900 to 1,000 lb class. The Raven I uses a Lycoming O-540 carbureted piston engine, while the Raven II uses a fuel injected Lycoming IO-540, derated for helicopter use. The Raven II also has a higher maximum gross weight of 2,500 lb, compared with earlier lower weight versions.

Cabin & avionics

The Robinson R44 cabin has two front seats and two rear seats, with good outward visibility through large transparencies. Baggage space is provided mainly under the seats, so payload planning matters when carrying four occupants. Later aircraft typically have improved interiors, hydraulic controls on Raven models and optional air conditioning on some Raven II examples. Avionics are usually light helicopter VFR or IFR capable retrofit installations rather than integrated systems such as Garmin Perspective or G1000. Common equipment may include Garmin radios, transponders, GPS navigators such as the GTN series, ADS-B equipment, electronic engine monitoring and, on some aircraft, glass flight displays or autopilot upgrades.

Buying & value

For buyers, the central Robinson R44 inspection item is life status. The model is subject to a 2,200 hour or 12 year overhaul cycle, so remaining component time and calendar life have a major effect on value. Review engine and airframe logs, main and tail rotor blade status, fuel tank configuration, corrosion history, accident or training use, and compliance with applicable service bulletins and airworthiness directives. Key variants include the early Astro, Raven I, Raven II, Clipper with floats, and the two seat R44 Cadet. In current PlaneFox used listings, asking prices average about EUR 338,000, with a broad range from about EUR 79,000 to EUR 921,000, reflecting overhaul status, model year, avionics, equipment and total time.