Robinson R66 vs Bell 206

The Robinson R66 and Bell 206 JetRanger are both five-seat turbine singles, separated mainly by generation: the 206 is the proven legacy design, while the R66 is the modern, more efficient alternative.

Live Market Snapshot

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

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
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 R66Bell 206
All events401329
Serious4192
Fatal23317
Fatalities44670
% Fatal58%24%
View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →View full Bell 206 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R66 Bell 206
Robinson R66
View 81 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $580,650 – $1,565,200 —
Category Single Turbine Helicopter —
Model Specifications
Seats 5 —
Horsepower 270 HP —
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) —
Range 350 nm (648 km) —
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) —
Max Gross Weight 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) —
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg) —
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) —
Fuel Burn 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) —
TBO 2,200 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $200,000 —
Annual Fixed $35,000 —
Hourly Variable $300 —
Engines 1 x Turbine —

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R66

Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $95,000/yr

Bell 206

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R66 or Bell 206?

Bottom line: choose the R66 for newer design, lower operating cost and a separate baggage compartment. Choose the Bell 206 if a lower used entry price and the established JetRanger pedigree matter more to you than running costs.

Pick the R66 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 R66 or Bell 206?
It depends on your mission and budget. 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 R66 and Bell 206?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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