Robinson R66 vs Bell 407

The Robinson R66 and Bell 407 are both turbine singles, but in different weight and price classes: the R66 is an efficient five-seat private turbine, while the seven-seat 407 is a faster, heavier commercial machine.

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 407
For sale now
40
Median asking
$2,900,000
Range
$2,099,600–$4,205,348
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1997–2021

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 407
All events40148
Serious415
Fatal2344
Fatalities44112
% Fatal58%30%
View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →View full Bell 407 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R66 Bell 407
Robinson R66
View 81 listings →
Median $880,000
 Bell 407
View 37 listings →
Median $2,900,000
Price Range $580,650 – $1,565,200 $2,099,600 – $4,205,348
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 7
Horsepower 270 HP 675 HP
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) 133 kts (246 km/h)
Range 350 nm (648 km) 330 nm (611 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 18,500 ft (5,639 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg)
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg) 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) 131.0 gal (496 L)
Fuel Burn 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) 40.0 GPH (151 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $200,000 $350,000
Annual Fixed $35,000 $100,000
Hourly Variable $300 $550
Engines 1 x Turbine 1 x Turboshaft

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 407

Fuel$220/hr
Variable$550/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $210,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R66 or Bell 407?

Bottom line: choose the R66 for turbine flying at a far lower price (~$470K vs ~$2.0M) and roughly half the hourly cost. Choose the Bell 407 if you need seven seats, higher speed and the payload of a heavier commercial helicopter.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Budget matters — from $580,650 vs $2,099,600, you save ~$1,518,950.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$300/hr vs $550/hr.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 330 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1996.
  • More inventory — 81 listings vs 37.

Pick the 407 if…

  • More seats — 7 vs 5.
  • Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 110 kts.

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 407?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 nm range. The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 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 407?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). 407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp). Seats: 5 vs 7. Cruise: 110 vs 133 kts. Range: 350 vs 330 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R66: about $300/hr variable cost. 407: about $550/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. 407: 7 seats / 2,347 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. 407: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. 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