Robinson R44 Raven II vs Robinson R66
The Robinson R44 Raven II (four-seat piston, IO-540) and R66 (five-seat turbine, Rolls-Royce RR300) are the piston-vs-turbine step in the Robinson line — same Robinson DNA, different engine class, cabin size and operating cost.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 269
- Median asking
- $369,900
- Range
- $120,366–$759,637
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 60
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 2001–2026
- 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 Raven II | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | 40 |
| Serious | 0 | 4 |
| Fatal | 1 | 23 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 44 |
| % Fatal | 33% | 58% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Raven II | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $120,366 – $759,637 | $580,650 – $1,565,200 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP | 270 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 113 kts (209 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 | 46.0 gal (174 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
EstimateRobinson R44 Raven II
Robinson R66
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Raven II or Robinson R66?
Bottom line: Choose the R44 for the lowest acquisition and operating cost in a capable four-seat piston helicopter — the personal/training workhorse. Step up to the R66 for turbine smoothness and reliability, a fifth seat, more useful load/altitude performance and a larger baggage compartment — worth it for owners who value turbine operation and the extra cabin, at higher acquisition and fuel cost.
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- Budget matters — from $120,366 vs $580,650, you save ~$460,284.
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $300/hr.
- Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 110 kts.
- More inventory — 258 listings vs 81.
Pick the R66 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 300 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2002.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.