Aircraft overview

The Schweizer 269 / 300 is a light piston helicopter family that began as the Hughes 269, first flown in 1956 and certified in 1959. Production passed from Hughes to Schweizer, and later to Sikorsky ownership, with civil production continuing in various forms for decades. The type is best known as a primary trainer and light utility helicopter, valued for its simple mechanical layout, forgiving handling and strong presence in flight schools, private ownership and aerial observation work. It should be viewed as a compact piston helicopter family, not as a turbine utility aircraft or as a member of the larger Schweizer 333 line.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speed for the Schweizer 269 / 300 family is in the 75 to 85 knot range, depending on variant, weight and equipment. Usable range is commonly around 190 to 230 nautical miles with standard fuel and normal reserves. Useful load varies by model and installed equipment, but many aircraft fall around the 900 to 1,000 lb class. Service ceiling is commonly listed around 10,000 feet. Powerplants are Lycoming horizontally opposed piston engines, with common versions including 180 hp HIO-360 installations in the 300CB and 300CBi, and a 190 hp Lycoming HIO-360-D1A in the 300C.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin is compact and practical, with two seats in training focused 300CB and 300CBi aircraft, and three seats in many 269C / 300C configurations. Visibility is a defining feature, with large transparent doors and a low instrument panel that suit instruction, patrol and photography. The cockpit is generally conventional rather than integrated glass. Most used examples have analog flight instruments with VFR radios, transponder, intercom and, on upgraded aircraft, Garmin comm, GPS or ADS-B equipment. Garmin G1000 or Perspective style integrated suites are not typical for this model.

Buying & value

Buyers should review total time, component life status, engine history, rotor blade condition, transmission and clutch records, corrosion exposure and the quality of maintenance documentation. Training aircraft may have high cycles but also disciplined maintenance, while privately operated aircraft may show lower utilization. Common variants include the 269A, 269B / 300, 269C / 300C, 300CB and fuel injected 300CBi. On PlaneFox, current Schweizer 269 / 300 asking prices average about EUR 208,000, with listings ranging from about EUR 58,000 to EUR 516,000, reflecting age, variant, component times, avionics and overall condition.