Robinson R44 Cadet vs Robinson R66
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Cadet | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $361,920 – $563,500 | $1,504 – $1,730,950 |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 210 HP | 270 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 350 nm (648 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| Useful Load | 750 lbs (340 kg) | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 31.0 gal (117 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $185 | $300 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Turbine |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Cadet
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$185/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$62,000/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: Robinson R44 Cadet or Robinson R66?
Pick the R44 Cadet if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$185/hr vs $300/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2016 vs 2010.
Pick the R66 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,504 vs $361,920, you save ~$360,416.
- More seats — 5 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 105 kts.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 300 nm.
- More inventory — 81 listings vs 14.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Robinson R44 Cadet or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Cadet cruises at 105 kts with 300 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?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Cadet and Robinson R66?
R44 Cadet engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (derated) (210 hp).
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 5.
Cruise: 105 vs 110 kts.
Range: 300 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Cadet: about $185/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?
R44 Cadet: 2 seats / 750 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?
R44 Cadet: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
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