Eurocopter H130 vs Robinson R66

The Robinson R66 and Airbus H130 are both turbine singles aimed at very different budgets: the R66 is an efficient five-seat turbine, while the wide-cabin H130 is a premium seven-seat machine popular for tourism and VIP work.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Eurocopter H130
For sale now
24
Model years available
2002–2026
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)Eurocopter H130Robinson R66
All events—40
Serious—4
Fatal—23
Fatalities—44
% Fatal—58%
View full Eurocopter H130 NTSB record →View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Eurocopter H130 Robinson R66
Eurocopter H130
View 18 listings →
Median $1,920,591
 Robinson R66
View 74 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $864,961 – $3,858,750 $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 7 5
Horsepower 952 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 125 kts (232 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 330 nm (611 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 23,000 ft (7,010 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,511 lbs (2,500 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity 143.0 gal (541 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 42.0 GPH (159 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 3,000 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000 $200,000
Annual Fixed $100,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $500 $300
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Eurocopter H130

Fuel$231/hr
Variable$500/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $200,000/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: Eurocopter H130 or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: choose the R66 for affordable turbine flying — it costs a fraction of an H130 to buy (~$470K vs ~$4.3M) and far less per hour. Choose the H130 only if you need its wide seven-seat cabin and premium ride for tour or executive operations.

Pick the H130 if…

  • More seats — 7 vs 5.
  • Faster cruise — 125 kts vs 110 kts.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Budget matters — from $580,650 vs $864,961, you save ~$284,311.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$300/hr vs $500/hr.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 330 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2001.
  • More inventory — 74 listings vs 18.

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 H130 or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The H130 cruises at 125 kts with 330 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?
Eurocopter H130: from $2,550,000. Robinson R66: from $820,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Eurocopter H130 and Robinson R66?
H130 engine: Safran Turbomeca Arriel 2D (952 hp). R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Seats: 7 vs 5. Cruise: 125 vs 110 kts. Range: 330 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
H130: about $500/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?
H130: 7 seats / 2,400 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?
H130: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. 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