Robinson R22 Alpha vs Robinson R66
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Robinson R22 Alpha
- For sale now
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1985–1985
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) | Robinson R22 Alpha | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 40 |
| Serious | 0 | 4 |
| Fatal | 1 | 23 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 44 |
| % Fatal | 100% | 58% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Robinson R22 Alpha | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $99,000 | $580,650 – $1,565,200 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 124 HP | 270 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 209 nm (387 km) | 350 nm (648 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.0 gal (64 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $120,000 | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $300 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Turbine |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R22 Alpha
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$48,000/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: Robinson R22 Alpha or Robinson R66?
Pick the R22 Alpha if…
- Budget matters — from $99,000 vs $580,650, you save ~$481,650.
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $300/hr.
Pick the R66 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 96 kts.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 209 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1983.
- More inventory — 81 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Robinson R22 Alpha or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R22 Alpha cruises at 96 kts with 209 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 R22 Alpha: from $99,000.
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 Robinson R22 Alpha and Robinson R66?
R22 Alpha engine: Lycoming O-320-B2C (124 hp).
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 5.
Cruise: 96 vs 110 kts.
Range: 209 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Alpha: about $150/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?
R22 Alpha: 2 seats.
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?
R22 Alpha: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$120,000.
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