Robinson R44 vs Robinson R22 vs Robinson R66

The Robinson R22, Robinson R44 and Robinson R66 Turbine are the three rungs of Robinson's ladder — the path most piston-helicopter pilots follow from training to turbine. The R22 is the two-seat trainer that taught a generation, the R44 the four-seat piston workhorse and best-selling civil helicopter, and the R66 the five-seat turbine step up. Where each lands on the market now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Robinson R44
For sale now
446
Median asking
$337,560
Range
$103,500–$722,186
Model years available
1994–2026
Robinson R22
For sale now
147
Median asking
$107,000
Range
$39,000–$377,766
Model years available
1984–2026
Robinson R66
For sale now
80
Median asking
$880,000
Range
$580,650–$1,565,200
Model years available
2011–2026

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)Robinson R44Robinson R22Robinson R66
All events36652040
Serious33474
Fatal16511223
Fatalities34515744
% Fatal45%22%58%
View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →View full Robinson R22 NTSB record →View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R44 Robinson R22 Robinson R66
Robinson R44
View 16 listings →
Median $337,560
 Robinson R22
View 7 listings →
Median $107,000
 Robinson R66
View 74 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $103,500 – $722,186 $39,000 – $377,766 $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 4 2 5
Horsepower 225 HP 124 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) 96 kts (178 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 300 nm (556 km) 209 nm (387 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 1,370 lbs (621 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 882 lbs (400 kg) 454 lbs (206 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity 48.0 gal (182 L) 17.0 gal (64 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $150,000 $60,000 $200,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $15,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $200 $140 $300
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R44

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/yr

Robinson R22

Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $43,000/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?

Bottom line: Choose the R22 to learn and economise — a light two-seater with the lowest costs, the classic primary trainer and time-builder. Choose the R44 for practical four-seat flying — more seats, hydraulic controls and the support of the world's most popular piston helicopter. Choose the R66 Turbine for smoothness and capability — a fifth seat, turbine power and better hot-and-high performance, at a higher cost. On safety all three are single-engine Robinsons that rely on autorotation and demand the same low-G rotor discipline; the R66's turbine adds power margin, not a different safety class. Learn on the R22, work with the R44, step up to the R66.

Pick the R44 if…

The balanced middle choice — no single category standout, but competitive on price, capability and running costs.

Pick the R22 if…

  • Lowest entry price — from $39,000
  • Lowest operating cost — about $140/hr

Pick the R66 if…

  • Most seats — 5
  • Longest range — 350 nm
  • Newest design — built from 2010
  • Most listings for sale — 74

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the R22, R44 and R66?
The R22 is a two-seat piston trainer; the R44 a four-seat piston; the R66 Turbine a five-seat turbine. Each step adds seats, power and cost, from training to turbine.
Which is the trainer?
The R22 — light, economical and the most common piston-helicopter trainer. Many learn on it, then move to the R44 for four seats and the R66 for turbine smoothness.
Do they need the same training discipline?
Yes — all are two-bladed Robinsons that demand specific low-G rotor discipline and quality type instruction. The R66 adds turbine handling, but the core rotor discipline is shared.
Which is better, Robinson R44, Robinson R22 or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range. The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 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 R22: from $305,510. Robinson R66: from $820,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
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