Piston Helicopters for Sale
Piston-engine helicopters: Robinson R22, R44 and more.
About Piston Helicopters for Sale
Piston helicopters are the most accessible entry into rotary-wing flying. They cost a fraction of a turbine machine, run on standard avgas, and can be maintained at almost any general aviation shop. The category is dominated by the Robinson family — R22, R44 and the certified-piston R66 lookalike — with the Schweizer 300 and Enstrom F-28 making up most of the rest.
Buying a piston helicopter is different from buying a fixed-wing. Pre-buy inspections need to cover specific items most A&Ps will not check on a Cessna: the main rotor blade history, the time on the tail rotor drive train, the magnetic plug inspection results, the engine governor calibration. The 12-year/2,200-hour Robinson rebuild is the single most important number in this market — an R22 or R44 close to that overhaul will sell for tens of thousands less than one freshly overhauled.
On MarketplaceAviation you will find piston helicopters from private owners and dealers worldwide. Listings include time since major overhaul, blade history, governor status and component times — the data that actually moves a deal.
Most popular models in this category
Robinson R22 Beta II
The most popular two-seat trainer in the world. Cheap to buy and operate.
Robinson R44 Raven I / II / Cadet
The 4-seat standard for personal and instructional use.
Schweizer 300 / 269 / S300C
Honest, simple, fully articulated rotor — favourite of police and trainers.
Enstrom F-28 / 280
Three-blade, robust, often overlooked but excellent value used.
Brantly B-2B
Classic 1960s two-seater — small population, niche but loved.
Hughes 269 / 300C (pre-Schweizer)
Original military trainer — sturdy and well documented.
What to verify before you buy
Robinson 12-year / 2,200-hour rebuild status
Every Robinson must be returned to the factory (or an approved service center) for a mandatory overhaul at 12 years or 2,200 flight hours, whichever comes first. A machine close to the limit can cost $300,000+ to overhaul — price the aircraft accordingly.
Main rotor blade and drive train logs
Blade time, tail rotor drive train hours, governor status and freewheel inspection results matter more than airframe hours alone. A blade close to retirement is a major cost.
Documentation of every magnetic plug check
Helicopter gearboxes shed metal predictably. A history of clean magnetic plug inspections is a strong positive signal. Recent metal contamination is a major red flag.
Required hour minimums for insurance
Most insurers require 200–500 hours of helicopter time before they will quote a private owner. Factor this into your timeline if you are coming from fixed-wing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a used piston helicopter cost? +
A Robinson R22 with reasonable time since overhaul sits around $120,000–$180,000. An R44 Raven II typically trades between $250,000 and $450,000 depending on time and equipment. Schweizer 300s and Enstroms are usually $100,000–$220,000.
How much does it cost to operate a Robinson R44? +
Direct operating cost runs around $250–$320 per hour including fuel, oil, reserves for overhaul and basic maintenance. Add hangar, insurance and the 12-year overhaul reserve and the all-in figure for private use is typically $400–$500 per hour over time.
What is the Robinson 12-year inspection and why does it matter? +
Robinson requires every R22, R44 and R66 to undergo a complete factory rebuild at 12 calendar years or 2,200 flight hours, whichever comes first. The rebuild costs $250,000–$320,000 depending on model. Buying a Robinson close to this limit without pricing it in is the most common expensive mistake in the used helicopter market.
Can I list a helicopter on MarketplaceAviation for free? +
Yes. Listing your helicopter is free with up to two photos and no time limit. There is no commission on the sale. Optional one-time boosts feature your listing at the top of search results.