Bell 206 JetRanger vs Robinson R22
The Robinson R22 and Bell 206 JetRanger are rarely a like-for-like choice: the R22 is a two-seat piston trainer, while the 206 is a five-seat turbine single. They meet only when a buyer is deciding between the cheapest way to fly and a true turbine cabin.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 78
- Median asking
- $453,960
- Range
- $301,200–$695,200
- Model years available
- 1966–2009
- For sale now
- 147
- Median asking
- $107,000
- Range
- $39,000–$377,766
- Model years available
- 1984–2026
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 206 JetRanger | Robinson R22 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 520 |
| Serious | — | 47 |
| Fatal | — | 112 |
| Fatalities | — | 157 |
| % Fatal | — | 22% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 206 JetRanger | Robinson R22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $301,200 – $695,200 | $39,000 – $377,766 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 124 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 96 kts (178 km/h) |
| Range | 337 nm (624 km) | 209 nm (387 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,492 lbs (677 kg) | 454 lbs (206 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 17.0 gal (64 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $60,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 206 JetRanger
Robinson R22
Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R22?
Bottom line: choose the R22 for low-cost training and two-seat flying — it costs a fraction of a 206 to buy (from ~$55K vs ~$207K) and far less per hour to run. Choose the Bell 206 only if you genuinely need turbine power, five seats and the speed and range that come with them.
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- More seats — 5 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 120 kts vs 96 kts.
- Longer range — 337 nm vs 209 nm.
- More inventory — 86 listings vs 7.
Pick the R22 if…
- Budget matters — from $39,000 vs $301,200, you save ~$262,200.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.