Bell 206 JetRanger vs Robinson R22 Alpha

Live Market Snapshot

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

Bell 206 JetRanger
For sale now
78
Median asking
$453,960
Range
$301,200–$695,200
Model years available
1966–2009
Robinson R22 Alpha
For sale now
1
Model years available
1985–1985

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)Bell 206 JetRangerRobinson R22 Alpha
All events1
Serious0
Fatal1
Fatalities1
% Fatal100%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 206 JetRanger Robinson R22 Alpha
Bell 206 JetRanger
View 86 listings →
Median $453,960
Robinson R22 Alpha
View 1 listings →
Median $99,000
Price Range $301,200 – $695,200 $99,000
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 5 2
Horsepower 124 HP
Cruise Speed 120 kts (222 km/h) 96 kts (178 km/h)
Range 337 nm (624 km) 209 nm (387 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) 1,370 lbs (621 kg)
Useful Load 1,492 lbs (677 kg) 390 lbs (177 kg)
Fuel Capacity 17.0 gal (64 L)
Fuel Burn 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) 8.0 GPH (30 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $120,000
Annual Fixed $18,000
Hourly Variable $150
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 206 JetRanger

Fuel$165/hr

Robinson R22 Alpha

Fuel$44/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $48,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R22 Alpha?

Pick the 206 JetRanger if…

  • More seats — 5 vs 2.
  • Faster cruise — 120 kts vs 96 kts.
  • Longer range — 337 nm vs 209 nm.
  • More inventory — 86 listings vs 1.

Pick the R22 Alpha if…

  • Budget matters — from $99,000 vs $301,200, you save ~$202,200.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R22 Alpha?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 206 JetRanger cruises at 120 kts with 337 nm range. The R22 Alpha cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 206 JetRanger: from $355,000. Robinson R22 Alpha: from $99,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 206 JetRanger and Robinson R22 Alpha?
R22 Alpha engine: Lycoming O-320-B2C (124 hp). Seats: 5 vs 2. Cruise: 120 vs 96 kts. Range: 337 vs 209 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22 Alpha: about $150/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?
206 JetRanger: 5 seats / 1,492 lb useful load. R22 Alpha: 2 seats / 390 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?
R22 Alpha: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$120,000. 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