Robinson R44 Clipper II vs Robinson R66

Live Market Snapshot

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

Robinson R44 Clipper II
For sale now
23
Median asking
$379,000
Range
$149,000–$715,600
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
10
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
2003–2026
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 R44 Clipper IIRobinson R66
All events40
Serious4
Fatal23
Fatalities44
% Fatal58%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R44 Clipper II Robinson R66
Robinson R44 Clipper II
View 24 listings →
Median $379,000
Robinson R66
View 81 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $149,000 – $715,600 $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category Piston Helicopters Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 245 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 109 kts (202 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 300 nm (556 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 994 lbs (451 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity 50.0 gal (189 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $150,000 $200,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $200 $300
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Turbine

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R44 Clipper II

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/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 R44 Clipper II or Robinson R66?

Pick the R44 Clipper II if…

  • Budget matters — from $149,000 vs $580,650, you save ~$431,650.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $300/hr.

Pick the R66 if…

  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 109 kts.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 300 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2002.
  • More inventory — 81 listings vs 24.

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 Clipper II or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 Clipper II cruises at 109 kts with 300 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 Robinson R44 Clipper II and Robinson R66?
R44 Clipper II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp). R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Seats: 4 vs 5. Cruise: 109 vs 110 kts. Range: 300 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Clipper II: about $200/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?
R44 Clipper II: 4 seats / 994 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?
R44 Clipper II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000. 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