Can I fly the R22 past 2,200 hours?

No, it is an airworthiness limitation. The overhaul (or the 12-year inspection, if that limit comes first) must be completed before further flight.

How long does an R22 overhaul take?

This answer depends largely on total time and condition of the aircraft. The overhaul is the perfect time to paint the aircraft, upgrade avionics or replace scratched windows. All these options add time. Lately we’ve been seeing the fastest overhauls happen in 4 months and the longer ones taking roughly 9 months.

What does an R22 overhaul cost?

Engine decision, aircraft condition, and the options you add (paint, avionics, interior) drive the number, and kit and engine prices change frequently. Contact APEX for a current estimate on your serial number.

Do I have to overhaul the engine at the same time?

The Lycoming engine in the R22 carries the same TBO as the major components. Unless an engine was replaced or overhauled prematurely, it’s likely in sync with the rest of the aircraft and due for overhaul.

OVERHAUL · UPDATED AUG 4, 2026

Robinson R22 Overhaul Kit: Contents, Cost & Lead Time

APEX HELICOPTERS, AUTHORIZED ROBINSON DEALER & SERVICE CENTER

The R22 reaches overhaul at 2,200 hours or 12 years. Overhaul replaces the life-limited rotor and drive components and addresses the Lycoming O-360 engine separately. APEX quotes and installs Robinson parts at both locations.

What does an R22 overhaul replace?

The overhaul replaces all life-limited parts required per RHC and the FAA, plus certain parts listed in the RHC maintenance manual section 1.102. Another good guideline is the overhaul kit inspection instructions.

What does the kit actually cost?

From the RHC maintenance-kit price list, effective January 1, 2026:

R22 Beta overhaul kit (KI-2202), $117,100 + $8,350 core charge, $125,450 total with core
R22 Beta II overhaul kit (KI-2203), $117,000 + $8,350 core charge, $125,350 total with core
Engine build-up kit, O-320 (KI-2204) $3,740 · O-360 (KI-2205) $4,020
Interior kit, velour (KI-2206-1) $4,460 · leather (KI-2206-2) $4,990

Core charges are refunded when cores return to RHC within nine months. Bladder fuel tanks must be purchased unless previously installed. Kit prices are RHC list and change without notice, confirm current numbers with APEX, or request an estimate. Full breakdowns: R22 engine build-up kits and R22 interior kits.

What are my Lycoming O-360 engine options?

The R22’s carbureted Lycoming O-360 is overhauled separately from the airframe kit, three ways:

Overhauled exchange
Factory rebuilt
New

Engine choice has a significant effect on overhaul costs and lead time, contact APEX for current pricing and lead times. Lycoming overhaul guidance is published at lycoming.com.

What are the lead times?

Plan on 8-12 weeks for the kit and 12-20 weeks for the engine (depending on choice). These move with factory demand, reserve early. Begin planning about 12 months before the limit, as covered in the overhaul guide.

What is NOT in the kit?

Engine buildup kit (cooling panels) are not included, neither is the optional interior kit (highly recommended). Certain ADs and many SBs not complied with will need to be ordered separately as well.

Overhaul or sell the R22?

A run-out R22 trainer has a real market. Before you commit to the kit, weigh overhaul cost against run-out value in the overhaul-or-sell guide, or request an R22 overhaul estimate.

Questions, answered

Can I fly the R22 past 2,200 hours?: No, it is an airworthiness limitation. The overhaul (or the 12-year inspection, if that limit comes first) must be completed before further flight.
How long does an R22 overhaul take?: This answer depends largely on total time and condition of the aircraft. The overhaul is the perfect time to paint the aircraft, upgrade avionics or replace scratched windows. All these options add time. Lately we’ve been seeing the fastest overhauls happen in 4 months and the longer ones taking roughly 9 months.
What does an R22 overhaul cost?: Engine decision, aircraft condition, and the options you add (paint, avionics, interior) drive the number, and kit and engine prices change frequently. Contact APEX for a current estimate on your serial number.
Do I have to overhaul the engine at the same time?: The Lycoming engine in the R22 carries the same TBO as the major components. Unless an engine was replaced or overhauled prematurely, it’s likely in sync with the rest of the aircraft and due for overhaul.