Bell 206 JetRanger vs Robinson R44 Raven II
The Robinson R44 (four-seat piston) and Bell 206 JetRanger (five-seat turbine) are different classes — a low-cost piston personal helicopter vs the classic turbine workhorse.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 75
- Median asking
- $489,161
- Range
- $311,000–$674,000
- Model years available
- 1966–2009
- For sale now
- 242
- Median asking
- $369,000
- Range
- $119,400–$799,000
- Model years available
- 1993–2026
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 R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 1 |
| Fatalities | — | 2 |
| % Fatal | — | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 206 JetRanger | Robinson R44 Raven II |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $311,000 – $674,000 | $119,400 – $799,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 245 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 113 kts (209 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) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,492 lbs (677 kg) | 994 lbs (451 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 46.0 gal (174 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $200 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 206 JetRanger
Robinson R44 Raven II
Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Robinson R44 Raven II?
Bottom line: Choose the R44 for the lowest operating cost and easiest ownership in a four-seat helicopter. Choose the Bell 206 for turbine reliability, a fifth seat, the iconic JetRanger ride and proven utility/charter capability — higher cost, but turbine durability and a stronger commercial pedigree.
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 120 kts vs 113 kts.
- Longer range — 337 nm vs 300 nm.
Pick the R44 Raven II if…
- Budget matters — from $119,400 vs $311,000, you save ~$191,600.
- More inventory — 231 listings vs 73.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.