Bell 206 JetRanger vs Robinson R44
The Robinson R44 and the Bell 206 JetRanger are two of the most common light helicopters — the four-seat piston R44 and the five-seat turbine JetRanger. The R44 is the economical piston, the best-selling civil helicopter; the 206 JetRanger the timeless turbine with a worldwide support network. Where each lands on the market now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 78
- Median asking
- $453,960
- Range
- $301,200–$695,200
- Model years available
- 1966–2009
- For sale now
- 446
- Median asking
- $337,560
- Range
- $103,500–$722,186
- 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) | Bell 206 JetRanger | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 366 |
| Serious | — | 33 |
| Fatal | — | 165 |
| Fatalities | — | 345 |
| % Fatal | — | 45% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 206 JetRanger | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $301,200 – $695,200 | $103,500 – $722,186 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 337 nm (624 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,492 lbs (677 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 48.0 gal (182 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 206 JetRanger
Robinson R44
Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R44?
Bottom line: Choose the R44 for the lowest-cost ownership — a four-seat piston with the lowest acquisition and running costs in its class and hydraulic controls. Choose the 206 JetRanger for turbine reliability and ubiquity — the smoothness of a turbine and support everywhere, at a higher cost. On safety both are single-engine helicopters that rely on autorotation; the R44, as a two-bladed Robinson, asks for specific low-G rotor discipline, while the JetRanger leans on turbine reliability and a vast support network — different, both proven. Economical piston, or timeless turbine.
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 120 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 337 nm vs 300 nm.
- More inventory — 85 listings vs 16.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $103,500 vs $301,200, you save ~$197,700.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.