Robinson R66 vs Bell 505

The Robinson R66 (five-seat turbine, RR300) and Bell 505 Jet Ranger X (five-seat turbine, Safran Arrius, glass cockpit) are the two leading new-generation light turbine singles — direct rivals for private, training and light-utility turbine buyers.

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 505
For sale now
27
Median asking
$1,790,000
Range
$1,423,540–$2,395,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
10
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
2017–2025

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 505
All events404
Serious41
Fatal232
Fatalities448
% Fatal58%50%
View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →View full Bell 505 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R66 Bell 505
Robinson R66
View 81 listings →
Median $880,000
 Bell 505
View 26 listings →
Median $1,790,000
Price Range $580,650 – $1,565,200 $1,423,540 – $2,395,000
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower 270 HP 504 HP
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) 125 kts (232 km/h)
Range 350 nm (648 km) 340 nm (630 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg)
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg) 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) 76.0 gal (288 L)
Fuel Burn 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) 30.0 GPH (114 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 3,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $200,000 $250,000
Annual Fixed $35,000 $80,000
Hourly Variable $300 $400
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 505

Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $160,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R66 or Bell 505?

Bottom line: Choose the R66 for lower acquisition and operating cost, simplicity and the vast Robinson support network — the value turbine single. Choose the Bell 505 for its flat-floor cabin, Garmin G1000H glass cockpit, dual-channel FADEC Arrius engine and Bell pedigree — more cabin and avionics sophistication at a higher price. Both are excellent; the split is value/simplicity (R66) vs cabin/avionics (505).

Pick the R66 if…

  • Budget matters — from $580,650 vs $1,423,540, you save ~$842,890.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$300/hr vs $400/hr.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 340 nm.
  • More inventory — 81 listings vs 26.

Pick the 505 if…

  • Faster cruise — 125 kts vs 110 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 2017 vs 2010.

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 505?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 nm range. The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 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 505?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). 505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp). Cruise: 110 vs 125 kts. Range: 350 vs 340 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R66: about $300/hr variable cost. 505: about $400/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. 505: 5 seats / 1,500 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. 505: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000. 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