Robinson R44 Astro vs Bell 206L LongRanger

Live Market Snapshot

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

Robinson R44 Astro
For sale now
5
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1994–1999
Bell 206L LongRanger
For sale now
34
Median asking
$899,000
Range
$646,949–$1,720,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
12
Source marketplaces
10
Model years available
1977–2013

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

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R44 Astro Bell 206L LongRanger
Robinson R44 Astro
View 5 listings →
Median $64,000
Bell 206L LongRanger
View 32 listings →
Median $899,000
Price Range $26,237 – $130,900 $646,949 – $1,720,000
Category Piston Helicopters Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 4 7
Horsepower 225 HP
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) 130 kts (241 km/h)
Range 300 nm (556 km) 340 nm (630 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 4,150 lbs (1,882 kg)
Useful Load 882 lbs (400 kg)
Fuel Capacity 31.0 gal (117 L)
Fuel Burn 15.0 GPH (57 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $150,000
Annual Fixed $25,000
Hourly Variable $180
Engines 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R44 Astro

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Bell 206L LongRanger

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Astro or Bell 206L LongRanger?

Pick the R44 Astro if…

  • Budget matters — from $26,237 vs $646,949, you save ~$620,712.

Pick the 206L LongRanger if…

  • More seats — 7 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 130 kts vs 110 kts.
  • Longer range — 340 nm vs 300 nm.
  • More inventory — 32 listings vs 5.

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 R44 Astro or Bell 206L LongRanger?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 Astro cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range. The 206L LongRanger cruises at 130 kts with 340 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44 Astro: from $139,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Astro and Bell 206L LongRanger?
R44 Astro engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp). Seats: 4 vs 7. Cruise: 110 vs 130 kts. Range: 300 vs 340 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Astro: about $180/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?
R44 Astro: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load. 206L LongRanger: 7 seats. 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?
R44 Astro: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000. 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