Robinson Helicopters R44 Raven Ii vs Schweizer Rsg 300c
The Robinson R44 Raven II is a light, piston-powered helicopter typically used for training, touring, utility work, and short-range transport where vertical takeoff and landing are essential. The Schweizer (SGS) 300C is also a light, piston-powered helicopter, most commonly associated with primary flight training and local operations, emphasizing simplicity and benign handling. In practical range, the R44 Raven II generally offers a longer cross-country capability than the 300C, making it better suited to point-to-point flights and longer scenic routes, while the 300C is more often flown on shorter training sorties with less emphasis on extended legs. For passenger capacity, the R44 Raven II is usually configured for four occupants including the pilot (one pilot plus up to three passengers), which makes it more practical for carrying multiple passengers or a small group. The Schweizer 300C is typically a three-seat helicopter (one pilot plus up to two passengers), aligning with its common role as a trainer and light utility aircraft rather than a higher-capacity tour platform.
| Spec | ROBINSON R44 Raven II | Schweizer RSG 300C |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| DOC / nm | $ 2.36 | $ 2.30 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopters | Scheizer RSG |
| Aircraft Name | R44 Raven II | 300C |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 300 | 195 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.59 | $ 0.77 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 995 | 950 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 257 | $ 217 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 109 | 94 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 490,000 | $ 350,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Total Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | IO-540 | HIO-360-D1A |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 2200 | 1500 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 |
| Horsepower | 245 | 190 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 29.5 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 38.3 | 30.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10.8 | 8.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 33 | 26.9 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 2.5 | — |