Bell 407 vs Robinson R66

The Robinson R66 and Bell 407 are both turbine singles, but in different weight and price classes: the R66 is an efficient five-seat private turbine, while the seven-seat 407 is a faster, heavier commercial machine.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Bell 407
For sale now
40
Median asking
$2,900,000
Range
$2,099,600–$4,205,348
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1997–2021
Robinson R66
For sale now
80
Median asking
$880,000
Range
$580,650–$1,565,200
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
13
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
2011–2028

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Bell 407Robinson R66
All events14840
Serious154
Fatal4423
Fatalities11244
% Fatal30%58%
View full Bell 407 NTSB record →View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 407 Robinson R66
Bell 407
View 37 listings →
Median $2,900,000
 Robinson R66
View 81 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $2,099,600 – $4,205,348 $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 7 5
Horsepower 675 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 133 kts (246 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 330 nm (611 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 18,500 ft (5,639 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity 131.0 gal (496 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000 $200,000
Annual Fixed $100,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $550 $300
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turbine

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 407

Fuel$220/hr
Variable$550/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $210,000/yr

Robinson R66

Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $95,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bell 407 or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: choose the R66 for turbine flying at a far lower price (~$470K vs ~$2.0M) and roughly half the hourly cost. Choose the Bell 407 if you need seven seats, higher speed and the payload of a heavier commercial helicopter.

Pick the 407 if…

  • More seats — 7 vs 5.
  • Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 110 kts.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Budget matters — from $580,650 vs $2,099,600, you save ~$1,518,950.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$300/hr vs $550/hr.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 330 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1996.
  • More inventory — 81 listings vs 37.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Bell 407 or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 nm range. The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R66: from $1,659,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 407 and Robinson R66?
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp). R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Seats: 7 vs 5. Cruise: 133 vs 110 kts. Range: 330 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
407: about $550/hr variable cost. R66: about $300/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
407: 7 seats / 2,347 lb useful load. R66: 5 seats / 1,100 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
407: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. R66: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data