Bell 206 JetRanger vs Robinson R44 Cadet
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Bell 206 JetRanger
- For sale now
- 78
- Median asking
- $453,960
- Range
- $301,200–$695,200
- Model years available
- 1966–2009
Robinson R44 Cadet
- For sale now
- 15
- Model years available
- 2017–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Bell 206 JetRanger | Robinson R44 Cadet |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $301,200 – $695,200 | $385,632 – $556,975 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 210 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 105 kts (194 km/h) |
| Range | 337 nm (624 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,492 lbs (677 kg) | 750 lbs (340 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 31.0 gal (117 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $185 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 206 JetRanger
Fuel$165/hr
Robinson R44 Cadet
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$185/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$62,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R44 Cadet?
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- Budget matters — from $301,200 vs $385,632, you save ~$84,432.
- More seats — 5 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 120 kts vs 105 kts.
- Longer range — 337 nm vs 300 nm.
- More inventory — 85 listings vs 14.
Pick the R44 Cadet if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R44 Cadet?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 206 JetRanger cruises at 120 kts with 337 nm range.
The R44 Cadet cruises at 105 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 206 JetRanger: from $355,000.
Robinson R44 Cadet: from $361,253.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 206 JetRanger and Robinson R44 Cadet?
R44 Cadet engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (derated) (210 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 2.
Cruise: 120 vs 105 kts.
Range: 337 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Cadet: about $185/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?
206 JetRanger: 5 seats / 1,492 lb useful load.
R44 Cadet: 2 seats / 750 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?
R44 Cadet: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
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