Schweizer Aircraft Corporation 269c

Single Piston

The Schweizer 269C is a light two-seat piston helicopter that traces its lineage back to the Hughes 269 of the late 1950s. Originally designed by Hughes Helicopters as a simple, affordable trainer, the type was later produced by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation after they acquired the design rights in 1983. The 269C variant features a four-blade tail rotor and improved cabin comfort over earlier models, powered by a single Lycoming HIO-360 piston engine producing 190 horsepower. Its straightforward mechanical design and docile handling characteristics made it a popular choice for flight schools and private owners seeking an economical entry into rotorcraft aviation. The military variant, designated TH-55 Osage, served the U.S. Army as a primary helicopter trainer for decades, introducing thousands of pilots to rotary-wing flight. With a maximum cruise speed around 85 knots and a never-exceed speed of 100 knots, the 269C is not fast, but its reliability and low operating costs have kept examples flying well into the 21st century. The type remains in limited production today under Schweizer ownership, now part of Sikorsky, primarily serving the training and personal-use markets. SkyMeter has tracked 2 flights across 2 airframes and 2 operators, with IBRAHIM PHILLIP among the observed operators.