Enstrom 480B vs Robinson R66

The Enstrom 480B and Robinson R66 are light turbine helicopters — the 480B a stable, roomy five-seater with a robust rotor; the R66 the lighter, faster, more economical and far more common turbine single.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Enstrom 480B
For sale now
6
Model years available
2008–2016
Robinson R66
For sale now
86
Median asking
$932,211
Range
$670,296–$1,589,450
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)Enstrom 480BRobinson R66
All events140
Serious04
Fatal023
Fatalities044
% Fatal0%58%
View full Enstrom 480B NTSB record →View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Enstrom 480B Robinson R66
Enstrom 480B
View 1 listings →
Median $492,500
 Robinson R66
View 73 listings →
Median $932,211
Price Range $173,750 – $842,500 $670,296 – $1,589,450
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower 420 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 114 kts (211 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 370 nm (685 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 13,000 ft (3,962 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 1,200 lbs (544 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 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

Enstrom 480B

Fuel$154/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: Enstrom 480B or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: Choose the Robinson R66 for lower cost, speed and the largest support network; choose the Enstrom 480B for a stable, roomy cabin and rugged rotor system (training/utility). R66 = value/speed/support; 480B = stability/cabin/robustness.

Pick the 480B if…

  • Budget matters — from $173,750 vs $670,296, you save ~$496,546.
  • Faster cruise — 114 kts vs 110 kts.
  • Longer range — 370 nm vs 350 nm.

Pick the R66 if…

  • More inventory — 73 listings vs 1.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Enstrom 480B or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 480B cruises at 114 kts with 370 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?
Enstrom 480B: from $395,000. Robinson R66: from $820,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Enstrom 480B and Robinson R66?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Cruise: 114 vs 110 kts. Range: 370 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?
480B: 5 seats / 1,200 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data