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Enstrom Helicopter F 28f vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii

Both the Enstrom F-28F and the Robinson R44 Raven II are light, piston-powered civilian helicopters commonly used for training, personal transport, and utility missions, but they sit in different size and capability brackets. The Enstrom F-28F is typically viewed as a smaller two- to three-seat class helicopter (depending on configuration), making it well suited to basic training and short-hop utility work where simplicity and low operating complexity matter. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a larger four-seat light helicopter, often chosen when operators need to carry more people or combine passengers with modest baggage. In range, the R44 Raven II generally offers the longer practical cross-country capability because it is designed for longer legs and higher useful load, making it more common for longer sightseeing routes and point-to-point travel. The F-28F’s range is usually more limited and aligns better with local operations, pattern work, and shorter missions. Overall, the key distinction is passenger capacity, with the R44 accommodating more occupants and typically enabling longer trips, while the F-28F prioritizes compactness and straightforward training utility.

SpecEnstrom Helicopter F-28FROBINSON R44 Raven II
Summary
DOC / nm$ 2.08$ 2.36
Total Seats34
Flight RulesVFRVFR
ManufacturerEnstrom HelicopterRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft NameF-28FR44 Raven II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)229300
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.69$ 0.59
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)960995
Direct Operating Cost$ 198$ 257
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Gyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)95109
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 550,000$ 490,000
Cabin
Total Seats34
Engine
FADECNoNo
ModelHI0-360-F1ADIO-540
Fuel TypeAvGasAvGas
TBO (hrs)15002200
TBO (yrs)1212
Horsepower225245
No. of Engines11
Fuel Capacity (gal)4029.5
Fuel DeliveryFuel Injected
Dimensions
Length (ft)28.138.3
Overall Height (ft)910.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)3233
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)6
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2.5