Bell 505 vs Robinson R66

The Bell 505 and the Robinson R66 Turbine are two value-priced light single-turbine helicopters — the modern Bell 505 Jet Ranger X and Robinson's R66. The 505 brings Bell's name, a glass cockpit and a five-seat cabin; the R66 brings Robinson's value and the largest piston-to-turbine pilot pipeline. Where each lands on the market now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Bell 505
For sale now
27
Median asking
$1,790,000
Range
$1,423,540–$2,395,000
Model years available
2017–2025
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 505Robinson R66
All events440
Serious14
Fatal223
Fatalities844
% Fatal50%58%
View full Bell 505 NTSB record →View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 505 Robinson R66
Bell 505
View 28 listings →
Median $1,790,000
 Robinson R66
View 74 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $1,423,540 – $2,395,000 $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower 504 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 125 kts (232 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 340 nm (630 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 1,500 lbs (680 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity 76.0 gal (288 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 3,000 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $250,000 $200,000
Annual Fixed $80,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $400 $300
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 505

Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $160,000/yr

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 505 or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: Choose the 505 for a modern Bell — a glass cockpit, five seats and Bell's support network, with a more conventional rotor system. Choose the R66 for value and familiarity — turbine smoothness at the lowest entry, and an easy step up for Robinson piston pilots. On safety both are single-turbine helicopters relying on autorotation; the R66, as a two-bladed Robinson, asks the low-G discipline of the line, while the 505 uses a more conventional rotor — different handling, both proven. Modern Bell, or Robinson value.

Pick the 505 if…

  • Faster cruise — 125 kts vs 110 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 2017 vs 2010.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Budget matters — from $580,650 vs $1,423,540, you save ~$842,890.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$300/hr vs $400/hr.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 340 nm.
  • More inventory — 74 listings vs 28.

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 Bell 505 and R66?
Both are light five-seat single-turbine helicopters — the 505 a modern Bell with a glass cockpit, the R66 the value Robinson turbine. They differ in brand, rotor system and price.
Which is cheaper?
The R66 is typically the lower-cost turbine; the 505 commands more for Bell's name, glass cockpit and support network.
Do they need different training?
The R66, as a two-bladed Robinson, demands specific low-G rotor discipline; the 505 uses a more conventional rotor. Quality type training matters on both.
Which is better, Bell 505 or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 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 505: from $2,150,000. 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 505 and Robinson R66?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp). R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Cruise: 125 vs 110 kts. Range: 340 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
505: about $400/hr variable cost. 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?
505: 5 seats / 1,500 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?
505: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000. 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