Eurocopter H125 vs Robinson R66

The Robinson R66 Turbine and the Eurocopter H125 are both single-turbine light helicopters, but they are built for different lives. The R66 is Robinson's turbine five-seater — the affordable move up from a piston R44 into smooth turbine power, aimed squarely at owner-pilots. The H125 — the turbine Squirrel, the type that landed on the summit of Everest — is a utility workhorse: far more power, more seats and the muscle for sling loads, tour work and hot-and-high operations, at a very different price. One is the private owner's turbine; the other is the operator's. What each costs now, and how many are available, is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Eurocopter H125
For sale now
52
Median asking
$1,350,000
Range
$803,525–$3,345,647
Model years available
1978–2026
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)Eurocopter H125Robinson R66
All events40
Serious4
Fatal23
Fatalities44
% Fatal58%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Eurocopter H125 Robinson R66
Eurocopter H125
View 48 listings →
Median $1,350,000
Robinson R66
View 74 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $803,525 – $3,345,647 $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 6 5
Horsepower 952 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 140 kts (259 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 339 nm (628 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling 23,000 ft (7,010 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,511 lbs (2,500 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 2,536 lbs (1,150 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity 143.0 gal (541 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 42.0 GPH (159 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 3,000 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $200,000
Annual Fixed $35,000
Hourly Variable $300
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Eurocopter H125

Fuel$231/hr

Robinson R66

Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $95,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Eurocopter H125 or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: Go with the R66 to own a turbine without operator money — five seats, hydraulically-boosted controls, the smoothness and reliability of a Rolls-Royce turbine, and Robinson's vast training and support network behind it. Go with the H125 when the job demands real capability — heavy payloads, sling work and mountain or hot-and-high performance no other light turbine matches. The safety contrast here is about margins, not redundancy: both are single-engine and rely on autorotation if the turbine quits, but the H125's large power reserve and three-bladed rotor give it room to spare in demanding conditions, while the R66's record rests on simplicity, training and the low-G rotor discipline every Robinson asks of its pilots. Most owner-pilots land on the R66; the H125 belongs to those whose flying is work, not just transport.

Pick the H125 if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 5.
  • Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 110 kts.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Budget matters — from $580,650 vs $803,525, you save ~$222,875.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 339 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1975.
  • More inventory — 74 listings vs 48.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the R66 and the H125?
Power and purpose. The R66 is a light five-seat turbine built for owner-pilots; the H125 is a far more powerful six-to-seven-seat utility helicopter built for heavy lifting, sling loads and high-altitude work. The H125 does much more — and costs much more to buy and run.
Are both single-engine?
Yes — both are single-turbine helicopters, so neither has engine-out redundancy; both rely on autorotation in an engine failure. The H125 uses a Safran Arriel turbine, the R66 a Rolls-Royce RR300.
Which is better for mountain or hot-and-high flying?
The H125 — its large power reserve makes it one of the strongest light helicopters in thin air and high temperatures (its lineage famously landed on Everest's summit). The R66 is capable but built for lighter, lower-altitude owner flying.
Which is better, Eurocopter H125 or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The H125 cruises at 140 kts with 339 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?
Eurocopter H125: from $1,250,000. Robinson R66: from $820,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Eurocopter H125 and Robinson R66?
H125 engine: Safran Arriel 2D (952 hp). R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Seats: 6 vs 5. Cruise: 140 vs 110 kts. Range: 339 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
H125: 6 seats / 2,536 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?
H125: 3,000-hour TBO. 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