Robinson R66 vs Robinson R22
The R22 and R66 sit at opposite ends of the Robinson line — a two-seat piston trainer versus a five-seat turbine. They are rarely cross-shopped because they serve completely different missions.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Robinson R66 | Robinson R22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,504 – $1,921,420 | $18,000 – $449,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 270 HP | 124 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 96 kts (178 km/h) |
| Range | 350 nm (648 km) | 209 nm (387 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 1,370 lbs (621 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 454 lbs (206 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 17.0 gal (64 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $200,000 | $60,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $300 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Turbine | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R66
Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$95,000/yr
Robinson R22
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$43,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R66 or Robinson R22?
Bottom line: the R22 is for training and lowest-cost two-seat flying; the R66 is for turbine performance, five seats and serious cross-country or commercial work. If you're comparing these two, you're really deciding what kind of flying you want to do — not which is "better".
Pick the R66 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,504 vs $18,000, you save ~$16,496.
- More seats — 5 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 96 kts.
- Longer range — 350 nm vs 209 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1979.
Pick the R22 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $300/hr.
- More inventory — 151 listings vs 91.
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 R66 or Robinson R22?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 nm range.
The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 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 R66 and Robinson R22?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 2.
Cruise: 110 vs 96 kts.
Range: 350 vs 209 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R66: about $300/hr variable cost.
R22: about $140/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?
R66: 5 seats / 1,100 lb useful load.
R22: 2 seats / 454 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?
R66: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000.
R22: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000.
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