The story
Enstrom has been hand-building simple, honest piston helicopters in Michigan since the 1960s, and the F-28 family is the heart of it. Three seats, one Lycoming, no drama — a favorite of budget-minded private owners and training schools that want a tough machine.
The F-28 earned its FAA type certificate in April 1965, and Enstrom still builds helicopters in Menominee, Michigan after new owners revived the company in 2022.
Quick answers
How do you identify a F-28?
Small three-seat helicopter with a rounded, almost bubble-like cabin and a tall rotor mast. The fully enclosed tail boom fairing gives it a smooth, plump look.
What does a F-28 sound like?
A piston-engine putter under rotor slap — quieter and gentler than turbine helicopters.
How fast is the F-28?
Top speed is 97 kts.
How many people does the F-28 carry?
Typical configuration: 1 pilot + 2 passengers.
How far can the F-28 fly?
Range is about 241 nmi.
How big is the F-28?
It is 29 ft 3 in long and 32 ft 0 in across the rotor.
When did the F-28 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1965.
How many F-28s have been built?
1,200+ (F-28/280 family) built.
How rare is a F-28 in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first F-28 catch is worth 25 points.
