Robinson R44 Raven I vs Robinson R66

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Robinson R44 Raven I Robinson R66
Robinson R44 Raven I
View 110 listings →
Median $229,000
Robinson R66
View 88 listings →
Median $933,221
Price Range $59,000 – $859,699 $470,000 – $1,921,420
Category Piston Helicopters Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 225 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 109 kts (202 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 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 882 lbs (400 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity 31.0 gal (117 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $150,000 $200,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $200 $300
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Turbine

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R44 Raven I

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/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 Raven I or Robinson R66?

Pick the R44 Raven I if…

  • Budget matters — from $59,000 vs $470,000, you save ~$411,000.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $300/hr.
  • More inventory — 110 listings vs 88.

Pick the R66 if…

  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 109 kts.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 300 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2000.

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 Raven I or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 Raven I cruises at 109 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?
Robinson R44 Raven I: from $325,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Raven I and Robinson R66?
R44 Raven I engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (225 hp). R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Seats: 4 vs 5. Cruise: 109 vs 110 kts. Range: 300 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Raven I: about $200/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 Raven I: 4 seats / 882 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 Raven I: 2,200-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