Bell 206L LongRanger vs Robinson R44
The Robinson R44 and Bell 206L LongRanger are very different tools: the R44 is a compact four-seat piston, while the stretched 206L is a seven-seat turbine built to carry more people farther.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 34
- Median asking
- $899,000
- Range
- $646,949–$1,720,000
- Model years available
- 1977–2013
- 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 206L LongRanger | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 366 |
| Serious | — | 33 |
| Fatal | — | 165 |
| Fatalities | — | 345 |
| % Fatal | — | 45% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 206L LongRanger | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $646,949 – $1,720,000 | $103,500 – $722,186 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 225 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 130 kts (241 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 340 nm (630 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,150 lbs (1,882 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 48.0 gal (182 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 33.0 GPH (125 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 206L LongRanger
Robinson R44
Which Should You Buy: Bell 206L LongRanger or Robinson R44?
Bottom line: choose the R44 for low-cost four-seat flying and a deep used market. Choose the Bell 206L only when you need seven seats and turbine capability — capacity the R44 simply isn't designed to provide, at several times the price.
Pick the 206L LongRanger if…
- More seats — 7 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 130 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 340 nm vs 300 nm.
- More inventory — 35 listings vs 16.
Pick the R44 if…
- Budget matters — from $103,500 vs $646,949, you save ~$543,449.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.