Bell 206 JetRanger vs Robinson R66

The Robinson R66 Turbine, Bell 206 JetRanger and Bell 407 are three light single-turbine helicopters owner-operators cross-shop — the affordable R66, the timeless 206 JetRanger and the more powerful 407. The R66 is Robinson's value turbine five-seater, the JetRanger the ubiquitous economical classic, and the 407 the four-bladed, more capable single. Where each lands on the market now is below.

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 R66
For sale now
80
Median asking
$880,000
Range
$580,650–$1,565,200
Model years available
2011–2026

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 JetRangerRobinson R66
All events—40
Serious—4
Fatal—23
Fatalities—44
% Fatal—58%
View full Bell 206 JetRanger NTSB record →View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 206 JetRanger Robinson R66
Bell 206 JetRanger
View 85 listings →
Median $453,960
 Robinson R66
View 74 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $301,200 – $695,200 $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower — 270 HP
Cruise Speed 120 kts (222 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 337 nm (624 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 1,492 lbs (677 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO — 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $200,000
Annual Fixed — $35,000
Hourly Variable — $300
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 206 JetRanger

Fuel$165/hr

Robinson R66

Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $95,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: Choose the R66 Turbine for the lowest-cost turbine ownership — five seats and Rolls-Royce turbine smoothness at the value end. Choose the 206 JetRanger for the proven, ubiquitous classic — economical with support everywhere. Choose the 407 for more capability — a four-bladed rotor, more power and a smoother ride. On safety all three are single-turbine helicopters relying on autorotation; the R66 and 206 share a two-bladed rotor (the R66 asking the low-G discipline of all Robinsons), while the 407's four-bladed rotor and power add margin in demanding conditions. Value turbine, classic, or more-capable single.

Pick the 206 JetRanger if…

  • Budget matters — from $301,200 vs $580,650, you save ~$279,450.
  • Faster cruise — 120 kts vs 110 kts.
  • More inventory — 85 listings vs 74.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 337 nm.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the R66, 206 and 407?
All are light single-turbine helicopters — the R66 the value five-seater, the 206 JetRanger the economical classic, the 407 the more powerful four-bladed single. They differ in cost, power and capability.
Which is cheapest?
The R66 and 206 are the value end; the 206 has the largest support network, the R66 the newest airframe. The 407 costs more for power and payload.
Do they all need special training?
All are single-turbine helicopters; the R66, as a two-bladed Robinson, demands specific low-G rotor discipline. Quality type training matters on each.
Which is better, Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 206 JetRanger cruises at 120 kts with 337 nm range. The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 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 R66: from $820,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 206 JetRanger and Robinson R66?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Cruise: 120 vs 110 kts. Range: 337 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R66: about $300/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. R66: 5 seats / 1,100 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. 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