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ENSTROM 280FX Model Guide

ENSTROM 280FX · Model Guide

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Overview

The ENSTROM 280FX is a piston helicopter from The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation of Menominee, Michigan. Its manual lists a turbocharged Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD engine. The Enstrom 280 family seats up to 3 and is listed at up to 260 nm range. This guide draws on the Operator's Manual and the maintenance manual.

  • The ENSTROM 280FX flight manual is FAA approved (Rev. 14, Sep 12/24) and must be carried in the helicopter at all times.
  • Power: turbocharged Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD, 225 hp maximum continuous, on 100LL or 100/130 avgas.
  • Instrument flight and aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited; minimum crew is one pilot, and solo flight is from the left seat only.
  • Maintenance data covers the F-28F, 280F and 280FX; check the logs for Service Directive Bulletin compliance.

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 engine rpm
·
3,050
Max oil temp f
·
245
Min engine rpm
·
2,900
Max takeoff weight (lb)
·
2,600
Max continuous power (hp)
·
225
Max cylinder head temp f
·
500
Max manifold pressure (in)
·
39
Max transmission oil temp f
·
225

Performance

Vne power on mph
·
117
Vne power off mph
·
85
Service ceiling (ft)
·
12,000
About this document
What engine does the ENSTROM 280FX use?

The ENSTROM 280FX manual lists a Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD with a turbocharger (STC SE484GL). Maximum continuous power is 225 hp at 3050 RPM. It runs on 100LL or 100/130 aviation gasoline.

How high can the ENSTROM 280FX operate?

The ENSTROM 280FX has a maximum approved operating altitude of 12,000 ft density altitude at 2350 lb. Takeoffs and landings at 2350 lb were demonstrated to 10,000 ft density altitude in winds up to 15 MPH.

Can the ENSTROM 280FX be flown in IFR?

No. The ENSTROM 280FX manual prohibits instrument flight and aerobatic maneuvers. Minimum crew is one pilot, and solo flight must be from the left seat.

What is the ENSTROM 280FX Model Guide?

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

What year was the ENSTROM 280FX Model Guide published?

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

How rare is it?
224ENSTROM 280FX 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 280FX.

More ENSTROM 280FXmanuals & documents

In this document

Engine and operating limits

Maximum continuous power is 225 hp at 3050 RPM and 39.0 in manifold pressure, sea level to 12,000 ft. Limits: cylinder head 500°F, turbine inlet temperature (TIT) 1650°F, oil 245°F, transmission oil 225°F. Normal oil pressure is 60-90 psi. Rotor RPM is 334 minimum, power on.

Weight, speed and altitude

Power-on VNE is 117 MPH IAS from sea level to 3000 ft density altitude. Power-off (autorotation) VNE is 85 MPH, or the power-on VNE if lower. Maximum approved operating altitude is 12,000 ft density altitude at 2350 lb. Takeoffs and landings at 2600 lb were demonstrated to 7000 ft density altitude.

What to check when buying

Confirm the manual is current. Check the Log of Revisions and Supplements for installed options: dispersal system, floats, external loads, snowshoe, auxiliary fuel tank and exhaust muffler. Confirm the turbocharger installation (STC SE484GL) and the avionics fit. Review the maintenance records for Service Directive Bulletin entries.

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 is prohibited, and aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited.
  • Hovering in ground effect above 10,000 ft density altitude is limited to five minutes. Do not use the aft landing light for ground or hover operations.
  • A warning horn sounds below 334 rotor RPM with the collective off the down stop. Use caution above 10,000 ft density altitude and in winds over 15 MPH.

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 280FX Model Guide The ENSTROM 280FX is a piston helicopter from The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation of Menominee, Michigan. Its manual lists a turbocharged Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD engine. The Enstrom 280 family seats up to 3 and is listed at up to 260 nm range. This guide draws on the Operator's Manual and the maintenance manual. • The ENSTROM 280FX flight manual is FAA approved (Rev. 14, Sep 12/24) and must be carried in the helicopter at all times. • Power: turbocharged Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD, 225 hp maximum continuous, on 100LL or 100/130 avgas. • Instrument flight and aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited; minimum crew is one pilot, and solo flight is from the left seat only. • Maintenance data covers the F-28F, 280F and 280FX; check the logs for Service Directive Bulletin compliance. Engine and operating limits Maximum continuous power is 225 hp at 3050 RPM and 39.0 in manifold pressure, sea level to 12,000 ft. Limits: cylinder head 500°F, turbine inlet temperature (TIT) 1650°F, oil 245°F, transmission oil 225°F. Normal oil pressure is 60-90 psi. Rotor RPM is 334 minimum, power on. Weight, speed and altitude Power-on VNE is 117 MPH IAS from sea level to 3000 ft density altitude. Power-off (autorotation) VNE is 85 MPH, or the power-on VNE if lower. Maximum approved operating altitude is 12,000 ft density altitude at 2350 lb. Takeoffs and landings at 2600 lb were demonstrated to 7000 ft density altitude. What to check when buying Confirm the manual is current. Check the Log of Revisions and Supplements for installed options: dispersal system, floats, external loads, snowshoe, auxiliary fuel tank and exhaust muffler. Confirm the turbocharger installation (STC SE484GL) and the avionics fit. Review the maintenance records for Service Directive Bulletin entries. Safety notes: • Instrument flight is prohibited, and aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited. • Hovering in ground effect above 10,000 ft density altitude is limited to five minutes. Do not use the aft landing light for ground or hover operations. • A warning horn sounds below 334 rotor RPM with the collective off the down stop. Use caution above 10,000 ft density altitude and in winds over 15 MPH.