Bell 206 vs Robinson R22

The Robinson R22 and Bell 206 JetRanger are rarely a like-for-like choice: the R22 is a two-seat piston trainer, while the 206 is a five-seat turbine single. They meet only when a buyer is deciding between the cheapest way to fly and a true turbine cabin.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Bell 206

No active listings right now.

Robinson R22
For sale now
147
Median asking
$107,000
Range
$39,000–$377,766
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1984–2026

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 206Robinson R22
All events1329520
Serious19247
Fatal317112
Fatalities670157
% Fatal24%22%
View full Bell 206 NTSB record →View full Robinson R22 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 206 Robinson R22
Robinson R22
View 145 listings →
Median $107,000
Price Range — $39,000 – $377,766
Category — Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats — 2
Horsepower — 124 HP
Cruise Speed — 96 kts (178 km/h)
Range — 209 nm (387 km)
Service Ceiling — 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight — 1,370 lbs (621 kg)
Useful Load — 454 lbs (206 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 17.0 gal (64 L)
Fuel Burn — 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO — 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $60,000
Annual Fixed — $15,000
Hourly Variable — $140
Engines — 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 206

Robinson R22

Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $43,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 or Robinson R22?

Bottom line: choose the R22 for low-cost training and two-seat flying — it costs a fraction of a 206 to buy (from ~$55K vs ~$207K) and far less per hour to run. Choose the Bell 206 only if you genuinely need turbine power, five seats and the speed and range that come with them.

Pick the 206 if…

Pick the R22 if…

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 or Robinson R22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22: from $306,758. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 206 and Robinson R22?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22: about $140/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?
R22: 2 seats / 454 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: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000. 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