heywhatsflying

Helicopters · Robinson Helicopter Company

Robinson R44 R44

The Robinson R44 is a four-seat, light, piston-engine helicopter and one of the best-selling civil helicopters in the world. It is affordable to buy and run compared with turbine helicopters.

Robinson R44s airborne over the US now

—

— of all airborne aircraftplus — on the ground

Live data loads with JavaScript and refreshes every 15 seconds.

    Robinson R44s in the air over the last 24 hours

    A chart of how many Robinson R44s are airborne through the day loads with JavaScript.

    Specifications

    ICAO code
    R44
    First flight
    1990
    Typical cruise
    110 kt / 127 mph
    Service ceiling
    14,000 ft
    Range
    300 nm / 345 mi
    Capacity
    4 seats
    Length
    11.7 m / 38 ft
    Rotor diameter
    10.1 m / 33 ft

    Engines: 1 x Lycoming six-cylinder piston engine. Family: Robinson. Figures are typical published values, rounded; real performance depends on variant, weight and conditions.

    What it does in US skies

    R44s handle training, tours, news, police patrol, ranching and personal flying across the US. They usually stay low and close to their base.

    Main US operators: Flight schools, Tour operators, News stations, Police departments, Private owners.

    How to recognize a Robinson R44

    • Small teardrop cabin with large windows
    • Two-blade main rotor and a slim tail boom
    • Skid landing gear
    • Bigger than the two-seat R22, with a four-seat cabin

    How it looks on a flight tracker

    Usually flies below 2,000 feet at 80 to 110 knots, often with looping or back-and-forth tracks. Low altitude means coverage can drop in and out.

    History

    The R44 first flew in March 1990 and was certified in 1992. More than 6,000 have been built, with Raven and Cadet variants.

    Where Robinson R44s are right now

    Open this view on airplanes.live →
    Loading the live map…

    Questions

    What is the ICAO code for the Robinson R44?

    The ICAO aircraft type designator for the Robinson R44 is R44. Flight trackers and flight plans use this four-character code.

    How fast does the Robinson R44 fly?

    The Robinson R44 typically cruises at about 110 knots true airspeed (about 127 mph). Ground speed on a tracker varies with the wind.

    How high can the Robinson R44 fly?

    Its service ceiling is about 14,000 ft.