Robinson R44 vs Bell 206

The Robinson R44 and Bell 206 JetRanger are cross-shopped by buyers choosing between piston economy and turbine pedigree. The four-seat R44 is far cheaper to buy and to run; the five-seat Bell 206 is an established turbine single with a larger cabin and decades of support history.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Robinson R44
For sale now
446
Median asking
$337,560
Range
$103,500–$722,186
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
94
Source marketplaces
17
Model years available
1994–2026
Bell 206

No active listings right now.

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 R44Bell 206
All events3661329
Serious33192
Fatal165317
Fatalities345670
% Fatal45%24%
View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →View full Bell 206 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R44 Bell 206
Robinson R44
View 426 listings →
Median $337,560
Price Range $103,500 – $722,186 —
Category Piston Helicopters —
Model Specifications
Seats 4 —
Horsepower 260 HP —
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) —
Range 300 nm (556 km) —
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) —
Max Gross Weight 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) —
Useful Load 882 lbs (400 kg) —
Fuel Capacity 48.0 gal (182 L) —
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) —
TBO 2,200 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $150,000 —
Annual Fixed $25,000 —
Hourly Variable $200 —
Engines 1 x Piston —

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R44

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/yr

Bell 206

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 or Bell 206?

Bottom line: the R44 wins on acquisition price, operating cost and the number of aircraft available. The Bell 206 wins on cabin size, turbine smoothness and resale pedigree. Choose the R44 for the lowest-cost route into helicopter ownership; choose the 206 if you need turbine reliability and a larger cabin.

Pick the R44 if…

Pick the 206 if…

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 or Bell 206?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44: from $650,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 and Bell 206?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: about $200/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: 4 seats / 882 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: 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