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ENSTROM 280 Shark Model Guide

ENSTROM 280 Shark · Model Guide

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Overview

The ENSTROM 280 Shark is a piston-powered, skid-gear helicopter family (variants 280, 280C, 280F, 280FX). The detailed limits here come from the 280FX Operator's Manual, which lists a turbocharged Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD rated 225 hp continuous. Family registry data shows up to 3 passengers, 900 kg maximum takeoff weight, 260 nm range and a 12,000 ft ceiling.

  • Turbocharged Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD: 225 hp, 3050 RPM and 39.0 in MP maximum continuous, sea level to 12,000 ft (280FX manual).
  • Restrictions: no instrument flight and no aerobatics. Solo flight is from the left seat only.
  • Registry figures are family maxima across the 280, 280C, 280F and 280FX: 260 nm range, 900 kg MTOW, 3 passengers.
  • Confirm the exact variant and serial number: door weights and switch layouts differ before and after S/N 2167.

Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.

Reference only, not for flight. Use the current approved manual for your aircraft. See terms, section 5.

Document

Source

Copy found at sprinkle.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.

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Document details

Type
·
Model Guide
Year
·
2026
File size
·
48 KB
Copy found at
·
sprinkle.com

Specifications & performance

Extracted from this document.

Specifications

Max continuous power (hp)
·
225

Performance

Family max range (nm)
·
260
Family max service ceiling (ft)
·
12,000

Weight & balance

Both doors weight sn 2166 and prior (lb)
·
20.4
Both doors weight sn 2167 and later (lb)
·
18.1
About this document
What engine does the ENSTROM 280 Shark use?

The ENSTROM 280 Shark 280FX manual lists a Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD with a turbocharger (STC SE484GL). It is rated 225 hp continuous at 3050 RPM and 39.0 in MP.

Can the ENSTROM 280 Shark be flown IFR?

No. The ENSTROM 280 Shark 280FX manual prohibits instrument flight and aerobatic maneuvers. It is a VFR day or night helicopter.

What fuel does the ENSTROM 280 Shark take?

The ENSTROM 280 Shark 280FX manual approves 100/130 aviation gasoline (green) or 100LL (blue). It recommends a calibrated dipstick to check quantity.

What is the ENSTROM 280 Shark Model Guide?

The ENSTROM 280 Shark Model Guide is a model guide for the ENSTROM 280 Shark, dated 2026.

What year was the ENSTROM 280 Shark Model Guide published?

The ENSTROM 280 Shark Model Guide — the ENSTROM 280 Shark model guide on file — is dated 2026.

How rare is it?
224ENSTROM 280 Shark registered worldwide · 220 active

Common. More common than 85% of the aircraft models we track.

Documentation completeness
4/7

Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the ENSTROM 280 Shark.

More ENSTROM 280 Sharkmanuals & documents

In this document

Limits to know

Engine runs 2900-3050 RPM. Cylinder head limit is 500°F, TIT 1650°F, oil 245°F, and normal oil pressure is 60-90 psi. Transmission oil limit is 225°F. Airspeed limit is 117 MPH power on and 85 MPH power off. Rotor green arc is 334-385 RPM. Fuel is 100/130 or 100LL.

Pre-buy inspection points

The manual's preflight covers the belt drive and idler pulley, tail rotor drive shaft flex couplings, main rotor dampers and pitch links, oleo struts, and the turbocharger tailpipe, wastegate and heat damage. Engine oil is 10 quarts full, 8 minimum for flight. Inspect blade leading-edge tape if fitted.

Configuration and parts

The Illustrated Parts Catalog, Revision 12 (Aug 29, 2024), covers the 280, 280C, 280F and 280FX. Electrical systems are 12 or 28 volt with a 70-amp alternator. Both doors weigh 20.4 lb on S/N 2166 and prior, and 18.1 lb on S/N 2167 and later. Removing them changes weight and balance.

Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.

Safety notes

  • Instrument flight and aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited. Solo flight is from the left seat only.
  • Hovering in ground effect above 10,000 ft density altitude is limited to five minutes.
  • If the dipstick fuel level reads below 1/4, takeoff is not recommended. Start with the collective down and locked.

Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.

Full document text

ENSTROM 280 Shark Model Guide The ENSTROM 280 Shark is a piston-powered, skid-gear helicopter family (variants 280, 280C, 280F, 280FX). The detailed limits here come from the 280FX Operator's Manual, which lists a turbocharged Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD rated 225 hp continuous. Family registry data shows up to 3 passengers, 900 kg maximum takeoff weight, 260 nm range and a 12,000 ft ceiling. • Turbocharged Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD: 225 hp, 3050 RPM and 39.0 in MP maximum continuous, sea level to 12,000 ft (280FX manual). • Restrictions: no instrument flight and no aerobatics. Solo flight is from the left seat only. • Registry figures are family maxima across the 280, 280C, 280F and 280FX: 260 nm range, 900 kg MTOW, 3 passengers. • Confirm the exact variant and serial number: door weights and switch layouts differ before and after S/N 2167. Limits to know Engine runs 2900-3050 RPM. Cylinder head limit is 500°F, TIT 1650°F, oil 245°F, and normal oil pressure is 60-90 psi. Transmission oil limit is 225°F. Airspeed limit is 117 MPH power on and 85 MPH power off. Rotor green arc is 334-385 RPM. Fuel is 100/130 or 100LL. Pre-buy inspection points The manual's preflight covers the belt drive and idler pulley, tail rotor drive shaft flex couplings, main rotor dampers and pitch links, oleo struts, and the turbocharger tailpipe, wastegate and heat damage. Engine oil is 10 quarts full, 8 minimum for flight. Inspect blade leading-edge tape if fitted. Configuration and parts The Illustrated Parts Catalog, Revision 12 (Aug 29, 2024), covers the 280, 280C, 280F and 280FX. Electrical systems are 12 or 28 volt with a 70-amp alternator. Both doors weigh 20.4 lb on S/N 2166 and prior, and 18.1 lb on S/N 2167 and later. Removing them changes weight and balance. Safety notes: • Instrument flight and aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited. Solo flight is from the left seat only. • Hovering in ground effect above 10,000 ft density altitude is limited to five minutes. • If the dipstick fuel level reads below 1/4, takeoff is not recommended. Start with the collective down and locked.