Your Choice of Training Aircraft at Midwest Helicopter:

The Robinson R22 Beta vs. the Schweizer 300CBi Helicopter


Unlike most helicopter training facilities, Midwest can offer most pilots a CHOICE of which make and model of helicopter they would like to train in. Midwest's training fleet includes both Robinson R-22 Beta IIs and Schweizer 300-series helicopters for training and rental. Most pilots can opt to train in one (or both) of these helicopters. Which one should you choose to begin your training in? That are no simple answers to that question. We strongly recommend you discuss your options and this important decision with the Chief Pilot prior to beginning your training at Midwest.
The purpose of this page is to compare and contrast the Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter with the Schweizer 300CBi helicopter. Midwest offers both models to our students for primary training. Many of the pros and cons mentioned for each model concern owners and operators more than students. Some of the data comes from the manufacturers themselves, some from our own experience in the real world. Much of the information on this page is based on our own opinions and judgements from operating and flying both makes of aircraft. Both are proven trainers. But, as we said, there are advantages and disadvantages to each manufacturer's helicopter.
In the December 2003 - January 2004 Issue of Vertical Magazine, there was an excellent article entitled "Schweizer vs Robinson, "A Battle of Equals" by Guy R. Maher discussing the pros and cons of each helicopter. You may download a copy of that article here in PDF format by permission of the publisher. Vertical is an excellent magazine which we strongly recommend you subscribe to. Use the link above to reach them. Some of the information on this page came from Vertical's article (with their permission).

Schweizer_vs_Robinson.pdf

Right Click (or Control-Click on the Mac) & Choose 'Save' to Download this Article as a PDF File


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Some history will be included with the information on each aircraft. The table below compares 'numbers' for these aircraft.

Some Comparative Data. More Information on Each Model Follows Below This Table

Figures Are Approximate and May Vary by Model & Optional Equipment
Values Based on Manufacturer's Published Data
Robinson R22 Beta II
Schweizer 300-CBi
Max Gross Weight (lbs)
1370
1750
Empty Weight (lbs)
855
1088
Std Fuel Capacity (Gal)
19.2
32
Useful Load (No Fuel)
515
660
Useful Weight (20 Gal Fuel)
400
540
Optional Aux Fuel (Gal)
10.5
32
Useful Weight (w / Full Fuel)
335
470
Fuel Burn (Approx)
10 Gal / Hr
10 Gal / Hr
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel Injection
Horsepower
180 / 131**
180
Maximum Seat Weight
240 lbs
N / A
Passengers
2
2
Cruise Airspeed (kts / mph)
96 / 100
80 / 92
Hover Ceiling (IGE)
9400 ft @ 1370 lbs
7000 ft @ 1600 lbs

The Robinson R-22 Beta II

Midwest presently operates Robinson R-22 Beta IIs as well as Schweizer aircraft. This is the newest and most powerful model of the Robinson 2-seat helicopter. The R22 is the most popular civilian training helicopter in the world. Robinson has built over 3800 R22s since their certification in 1979. The pros and cons mentioned here apply only to the Beta II model and not to earlier Standard, HP, Alpha and Beta models. Data assumes the optional auxiliary fuel tank is installed.

Advantages of the R22 Beta II

  1. Most popular training helicopter in the world. Can be found in most countries in the world.
  2. Powerful for its size. Good high-density altitude performance. Engine significantly 'downrated' for more performance and extended life.
  3. Mechanically very reliable; little unscheduled maintenance, especially on 'low-time' aircraft.
  4. Good storage space in cabin under seats.
  5. About 10 knots faster than the Schweizer helicopter.
  6. Lower acquisition cost and less scheduled maintenance than the Schweizer.
  7. Excellent automatic throttle governor.
  8. Very good factory maintenance support and parts availability. Many more dealers and service centers around the world than Schweizer has.
  9. Two-bladed main rotor requies less hangar space than the 3-bladed Schweizers.

Disadvantages of the R22 Beta II

  1. Non-Standard 'T-Bar' Cyclic Control. (Not necessarily 'bad,' just different than other helicopters).
  2. 2200-hour Time-In-Service major factory or field overhaul required. Cost: $90,000 - $100,000+
  3. FAA regulations (SFAR 73) require 20 hours minimum dual instruction before solo; 200 hours to instruct in R22.
    SFAR 73 does not apply to Schweizer helicopters.
  4. Many instructors who teach in both models believe the R22 is less stable and somewhat more difficult to learn in initially.
  5. Smaller cabin size. 240 lbs max per seat weight capacity. Approx 335 lbs maximum cabin weight with full fuel.
  6. Larger pilots often cannot fly with larger passengers due to maximum weight / fuel limitations.
  7. 10-year calendar life on main and tail rotor blades. Very expensive to replace.
  8. Tail rotor pedals are not adjustable. Taller and 'larger' pilots are often uncomfortable in the smaller R22 cabin or can be too large to fly it at all.
  9. Carburetor fuel system. Pilots much closely watch carburetor heat or can encounter problems with carburetor ice.
  10. Because of weight and other considerations, Robinson no longer offers an R22 instrument training helicopter.

Click Here to Link to Robinson Helicopter's Website for More Information on the R22 Beta II Helicopter

The Schweizer 300CBi Model

Midwest also operates a Schweizer 300CBi helicopter. The CBi model was introduced in 1995 as a primary trainer to compete with the Robinson R22. By 'downrating' the engine and running it 500 RPMs slower than the 300-C model, and by lowering the gross weight by 300 lbs., Schweizer was able to achieve longer component times on many life-limited parts, longer projected engine overhaul times, and more fuel economy in order to make the 300CBi more cost-competitive with the Robinson R22.
Midwest's CBi was purchased new in 2004 to be primarily used as an instrument training aircraft. The advantages and disadvantages of the 'CBi' model are basically the same as those for the older 'C' model.
  1. Mechanically very reliable.
  2. Large and very comfortable cabin that will accommodate an instructor and student.
  3. Taller and larger pilots can easily be trained in all the Schweizer aircraft.
  4. Superb safety record and crashworthiness with over 20 million flight hours logged; very few fatalities.
  5. Conventional cyclic control. Excellent electric trim system on the cyclic.
  6. More stable and easier to learn in than the R22, according to most instructors who train in both.
  7. No SFAR training restrictions or minimum time requirements to solo or to instruct in Schweizer helicopters.
  8. No major overhaul requirements at 2200 hours. Individual components require overhaul or replacement at different flight times, like most helicopters in the world. This means the aircraft does not have to be down for months for overhaul.
  9. 1750 lbs maximum gross weight compared to 1370 lbs for the Robinson R22 Beta and Beta II series helicopters.
  10. 3-bladed fully-articulated rotor system is smoother and has more rotor inertia than the 2-bladed R22s.
  11. Touchdown autorotations are somewhat easier than the R22, due to more rotor inertia. Excellent for CFI training.
  12. Tail rotor pedals are adjustable for shorter and taller pilots.
  13. Fuel-injected engine. No requirement for carburetor heat or problems with carburetor ice.
  14. Midwest's 300 CBi is equipped for instrument instruction and training.
  15. Although somewhat heavier, burns about the same amount of fuel per hour as the R22 Beta II.

Disadvantages of the Schweizer 300-CBi Model

  1. Cruises about 10 knots slower than the R22 Beta II. Flies more 'nose-down' than the R22.
  2. Requires more scheduled maintenance, hence more downtime for maintenance.
  3. Initial acquisition costs can be 50% or more higher than for a Robinson R22 Beta II.
  4. Acquisition and insurance cost are higher due to higher aircraft values than the R22. Higher training rates.
  5. Very limited storage space in the cabin vs. the Robinson R22. External cargo baskets are available.
  6. More expensive to operate and insure and therefore priced higher than the R22 Beta II.
  7. 3-bladed Schweizer requires more hangar floor space than the 2-bladed Robinson R22 series.

Click Here to Link to Schweizer's Website for More Information on the 300CBi Model Helicopter

Click Here for More Information on Instrument Training and Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII) training in our brand-new Schweizer 300CBi Instrument Training Helicopter