Robinson R44 vs Robinson R66

The choice between the Robinson R44 and R66 is the choice between piston and turbine. The R44 is a four-seat piston helicopter that costs far less to buy and to run; the R66 is a five-seat single-turbine that adds power, high-altitude capability, smoother operation and a dedicated baggage compartment — for roughly three times the acquisition cost.

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Robinson R44 Robinson R66
Robinson R44
View 484 listings →
Median $359,000
 Robinson R66
View 93 listings →
Median $917,443
Price Range $23,292 – $899,999 $1,504 – $1,921,420
Category Piston Helicopters Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 260 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 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 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 882 lbs (400 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity 48.0 gal (182 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 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

Fuel$88/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 or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: most private owners flying four people at moderate altitude are better served by the R44 — it is dramatically cheaper to own. Step up to the R66 when you genuinely need the fifth seat, regularly operate from hot or high airfields, or want turbine reliability and the larger cabin.

Pick the R44 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $300/hr.
  • More inventory — 484 listings vs 93.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,504 vs $23,292, you save ~$21,788.
  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 300 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1993.

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 or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 cruises at 110 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 and Robinson R66?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp). R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Seats: 4 vs 5. Cruise: 110 vs 110 kts. Range: 300 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: 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: 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: 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