Bell 206 JetRanger vs Robinson R44 Raven II
The Robinson R44 (four-seat piston) and Bell 206 JetRanger (five-seat turbine) are different classes — a low-cost piston personal helicopter vs the classic turbine workhorse.
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
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 25
- Source marketplaces
- 13
- Model years available
- 1966–2009
- For sale now
- 269
- Median asking
- $369,900
- Range
- $120,366–$759,637
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 60
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 2001–2026
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 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 1 |
| Fatalities | — | 2 |
| % Fatal | — | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 206 JetRanger | Robinson R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $301,200 – $695,200 | $120,366 – $759,637 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 245 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 113 kts (209 km/h) |
| Range | 337 nm (624 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 994 lbs (451 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 46.0 gal (174 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $200 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 206 JetRanger
Robinson R44 Raven II
Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R44 Raven II?
Bottom line: Choose the R44 for the lowest operating cost and easiest ownership in a four-seat helicopter. Choose the Bell 206 for turbine reliability, a fifth seat, the iconic JetRanger ride and proven utility/charter capability — higher cost, but turbine durability and a stronger commercial pedigree. ================================================================ # CROSS-REFS ================================================================ - Bell 505 vs R66 also linked from `bell/` if a Bell-anchored verdict is added. - Turbine-single cross-shopping (R66 / Bell 505 / Bell 206 / MD 500 / Guimbal) — see helicopter brand pages.
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 120 kts vs 113 kts.
- Longer range — 337 nm vs 300 nm.
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- Budget matters — from $120,366 vs $301,200, you save ~$180,834.
- More inventory — 258 listings vs 76.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.