Robinson R66 vs Robinson R44
The choice between the Robinson R44 and R66 is the choice between piston and turbine. The R44 is a four-seat piston helicopter that costs far less to buy and to run; the R66 is a five-seat single-turbine that adds power, high-altitude capability, smoother operation and a dedicated baggage compartment — for roughly three times the acquisition cost.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- 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
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 R66 | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 40 | 366 |
| Serious | 4 | 33 |
| Fatal | 23 | 165 |
| Fatalities | 44 | 345 |
| % Fatal | 58% | 45% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Robinson R66 | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $580,650 – $1,565,200 | $103,500 – $722,186 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 270 HP | 260 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 48.0 gal (182 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $200,000 | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $300 | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Turbine | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R66
Robinson R44
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R66 or Robinson R44?
Bottom line: most private owners flying four people at moderate altitude are better served by the R44 — it is dramatically cheaper to own. Step up to the R66 when you genuinely need the fifth seat, regularly operate from hot or high airfields, or want turbine reliability and the larger cabin.
Pick the R66 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 300 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1993.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $103,500 vs $580,650, you save ~$477,150.
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $300/hr.
- More inventory — 426 listings vs 81.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.