Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Enstrom Helicotper F 28f vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Cadet vs Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven I vs Robinson Helicopters R66
The Enstrom 480B-G and Enstrom F-28F are both light, piston-powered helicopters in the same general category, typically used for training, utility, and personal flying. They generally carry four people (pilot plus up to three passengers) and offer moderate range for local and regional missions, with the 480B-G often positioned as the more modern, higher-capability variant in the Enstrom line. Robinson’s R44 Cadet and R44 Raven I are also light piston helicopters; both are four-seat airframes, but the Cadet is configured primarily as a two-seat trainer (pilot and one passenger) to reduce operating cost, while the Raven I is commonly operated as a full four-place aircraft. In range, the R44 variants are broadly comparable to the Enstrom piston models, typically suited to regional legs rather than long cross-country hauling. The Robinson R66 steps up into the light-turbine category, still generally five seats (pilot plus four) and typically offering greater useful load and a longer, more flexible operational range than the piston R44/Enstrom options, especially for hotter/high-altitude conditions.
| Spec | ROBINSON R44 Cadet | ROBINSON R44 Raven I | ROBINSON R66 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| DOC / nm | $ 2.22 | $ 2.30 | $ 3.49 |
| Total Seats | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters | Robinson Helicopters |
| Aircraft Name | R44 Cadet | R44 Raven I | R66 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 300 | 300 | 350 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 1.11 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.70 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 763 | 950 | 1355 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 238 | $ 248 | $ 384 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 107 | 108 | 110 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $344,000 | $ 412,000 | $ 920,000 |
| Cockpit | — | — | 2 |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | — | — | 3 |
| Cabin | |||
| Total Seats | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Cockpit | — | — | 2 |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | — | — | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | O-540 | O-540 | RR300 |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 2200 | 2200 | 2000 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 | — |
| Horsepower | 210 | 225 | 300 |
| Fuel Delivery | Carbureted | Carbureted | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 29.5 | 29.5 | 73.6 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 38.3 | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.8 | 10.8 | 11.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 2.5 | 2.5 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 50 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 18 |