Robinson R44 vs Robinson R66

The Robinson R44 and the Robinson R66 Turbine are the piston and turbine workhorses of Robinson's line — and R44 vs R66 is really the step from piston economy to turbine smoothness. The R44 is the four-seat piston, the best-selling civil helicopter in the world, valued for low cost and simplicity. The R66 adds a fifth seat and a Rolls-Royce turbine, for more power, smoother running and better hot-and-high performance. Where each lands on the market today is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Robinson R44
For sale now
446
Median asking
$337,560
Range
$103,500–$722,186
Model years available
1994–2026
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 R66
All events36640
Serious334
Fatal16523
Fatalities34544
% Fatal45%58%
View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R44 Robinson R66
Robinson R44
View 16 listings →
Median $337,560
 Robinson R66
View 74 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range $103,500 – $722,186 $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category Piston Helicopters Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 225 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 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 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: Choose the R44 for economy — a proven four-seat piston with the lowest acquisition and running costs in its class, and parts and pilots everywhere. Choose the R66 Turbine for the turbine step up — a fifth seat, more power in reserve, smoother operation and stronger performance in heat and at altitude, at a higher cost. On safety both 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. The R44 is the economical piston; the R66 is the turbine move up.

Pick the R44 if…

  • Budget matters — from $103,500 vs $580,650, you save ~$477,150.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $300/hr.

Pick the R66 if…

  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Longer range — 350 nm vs 300 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1993.
  • More inventory — 74 listings vs 16.

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 R44 and R66?
The R44 is a four-seat piston helicopter; the R66 Turbine adds a fifth seat and a Rolls-Royce turbine engine for more power, smoother running and better hot-and-high performance. The R66 costs more to buy and operate.
Why move from an R44 to an R66?
Mainly turbine smoothness, a fifth seat and better performance in heat and at altitude — the turbine holds power where the piston R44 falls off. The trade is higher acquisition and operating cost.
Do both need the same training?
Both are two-bladed Robinsons that demand specific low-G rotor discipline and quality type training. The R66 adds turbine-engine handling, but the core rotor discipline is the same.
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?
Robinson R66: from $820,000. 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 (225 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