Eurocopter H120 vs Robinson R66

The Eurocopter H120 Colibri and Robinson R66 are light single-turbine helicopters — the H120 is the refined, quiet Fenestron-tail Airbus light single; the R66 is the value-leading five-seat Robinson turbine with the largest light-turbine fleet.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Eurocopter H120
For sale now
26
Median asking
$801,512
Range
$577,500–$949,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
10
Source marketplaces
10
Model years available
1999–2010
Robinson R66
For sale now
80
Median asking
$880,000
Range
$580,650–$1,565,200
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
13
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
2011–2028

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)Eurocopter H120Robinson R66
All events40
Serious4
Fatal23
Fatalities44
% Fatal58%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Eurocopter H120 Robinson R66
Eurocopter H120
View 25 listings →
Median $801,512
Robinson R66
View 81 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $577,500 – $949,000 $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower 270 HP
Cruise Speed 122 kts (226 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 393 nm (728 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,781 lbs (1,715 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $200,000
Annual Fixed $35,000
Hourly Variable $300
Engines 1 x Turbine

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Eurocopter H120

Robinson R66

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

Which Should You Buy: Eurocopter H120 or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: Choose the R66 for the lowest turbine-helicopter acquisition and operating cost and the deepest support network. Choose the H120 for a quieter, more refined cabin and the enclosed Fenestron tail — at higher cost and with a smaller fleet.

Pick the H120 if…

  • Budget matters — from $577,500 vs $580,650, you save ~$3,150.
  • Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 110 kts.
  • Longer range — 393 nm vs 350 nm.

Pick the R66 if…

  • More inventory — 81 listings vs 25.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Eurocopter H120 or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The H120 cruises at 122 kts with 393 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?
Robinson R66: from $1,659,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Eurocopter H120 and Robinson R66?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Cruise: 122 vs 110 kts. Range: 393 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?
H120: 5 seats. 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