Robinson R66 vs Bell 206 JetRanger vs Bell 407
The Robinson R66 Turbine, Bell 206 JetRanger and Bell 407 are three light single-turbine helicopters owner-operators cross-shop — the affordable R66, the timeless 206 JetRanger and the more powerful 407. The R66 is Robinson's value turbine five-seater, the JetRanger the ubiquitous economical classic, and the 407 the four-bladed, more capable single. Where each lands on the market now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 80
- Median asking
- $880,000
- Range
- $580,650–$1,565,200
- Model years available
- 2011–2026
- For sale now
- 78
- Median asking
- $453,960
- Range
- $301,200–$695,200
- Model years available
- 1966–2009
- For sale now
- 40
- Median asking
- $2,900,000
- Range
- $2,099,600–$4,205,348
- Model years available
- 1997–2021
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 R66 | Bell 206 JetRanger | Bell 407 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All events | 40 | — | 148 |
| Serious | 4 | — | 15 |
| Fatal | 23 | — | 44 |
| Fatalities | 44 | — | 112 |
| % Fatal | 58% | — | 30% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Robinson R66 | Bell 206 JetRanger | Bell 407 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
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| Price Range | $580,650 – $1,565,200 | $301,200 – $695,200 | $2,099,600 – $4,205,348 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 270 HP | — | 675 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 133 kts (246 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 337 nm (624 km) | 330 nm (611 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 1,492 lbs (677 kg) | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | — | 131.0 gal (496 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $200,000 | — | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | — | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $300 | — | $550 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R66
Bell 206 JetRanger
Bell 407
Which Should You Buy?
Bottom line: Choose the R66 Turbine for the lowest-cost turbine ownership — five seats and Rolls-Royce turbine smoothness at the value end. Choose the 206 JetRanger for the proven, ubiquitous classic — economical with support everywhere. Choose the 407 for more capability — a four-bladed rotor, more power and a smoother ride. On safety all three are single-turbine helicopters relying on autorotation; the R66 and 206 share a two-bladed rotor (the R66 asking the low-G discipline of all Robinsons), while the 407's four-bladed rotor and power add margin in demanding conditions. Value turbine, classic, or more-capable single.
Pick the R66 if…
- Lowest operating cost — about $300/hr
- Longest range — 350 nm
- Newest design — built from 2010
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- Lowest entry price — from $301,200
- Most listings for sale — 86
Pick the 407 if…
- Most seats — 7
- Fastest cruise — 133 kts
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.