Robinson R66 for Sale

The Robinson R66 Turbine entered service in 2010 as the first all-new helicopter Robinson had introduced in nearly twenty years. It pairs the proven five-seat fuselage architecture refined on the R44 with a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft — the same 250-series engine family that powers the Bell 206 and MD500 in heavier variants. The result is a turbine-powered owner-flown helicopter that delivers genuine 110-knot cruise, a 350-nautical-mile range and a useful load that meaningfully exceeds the R44's.

For pilots stepping up from piston, the R66 removes most of the operational friction that complicates R44 ownership. Carburettor heat is gone, mixture is automatic, density-altitude performance is materially improved, and Jet-A is both cheaper and easier to source globally than 100LL. The cabin is wider, the rear bench accommodates three adults rather than two, and a separate baggage compartment behind the pilot finally gives the airframe a place for golf clubs or overnight bags.

The economic story is different. A new R66 lists in the high $900Ks to low

Buyer guide

Turbine vs piston ownership realities

Switching from an R44 to an R66 is not a marginal cost change. Plan on

Engine modules and TSO tracking

The RR300 is tracked module-by-module: compressor, turbine, gearbox and accessory drive each carry their own time-since-overhaul. When evaluating an R66, request the engine status report and look for balanced module life — an airframe with 1,500 hours on a fresh engine and 200 hours remaining on the turbine module is a very different proposition than one with even time across all modules. Mid-life airframes with one or two modules approaching their limit price accordingly.

Avionics and useful-load packages

Most R66s ship with the Garmin G500H TXi standard from the factory after 2018, plus a GTN 750 navigator. Cargo Hook, air conditioning and pop-out floats are common factory options that materially affect resale. The air-conditioning package costs roughly 75 lb of useful load and adds about $40K to resale value; pop-out floats are nearly mandatory for any over-water operation and command a premium in coastal markets.

Inspection schedule and maintenance reserve

Routine inspections follow the R66 Maintenance Manual at 100-hour intervals plus annual; the 2,200-hour overhaul mirrors the R44 schedule. Realistic maintenance reserve is

Where the R66 wins (and where it does not)

The R66 is the strongest value proposition in the 5-seat single-turbine class for owner-flown missions, ranching, light tour work and personal cross-country flying. It is not the right airframe for heavy external-load work (a Bell 407 or H125 will outwork it), nor for IFR-mandated missions where two-pilot certification matters. Match the airframe to the mission honestly before signing.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Robinson R66 cost?

Used R66 Turbines typically trade between $700,000 and

Is the R66 IFR-certified?

No — the standard R66 is certified for VFR operations only. There is no Robinson IFR variant. Buyers requiring IFR capability should look at the Bell 407GXi (single-pilot IFR) or step into a light twin such as the AW109 or H145.

How does the R66 compare to a used Bell 206?

The R66 cruises faster (110 vs 100 kt), carries a larger cabin and burns slightly less fuel, but the Bell 206 has a deeper aftermarket parts and MRO network globally — particularly for utility and offshore work. For private and corporate use the R66 generally wins on operating economics; for commercial fleets the 206's support ecosystem still matters.

Can I convert my R44 hours toward an R66 type rating?

There is no separate type rating for the R66 in most jurisdictions — it falls under a turbine-helicopter endorsement and SFAR 73 (US) requires specific R66 training. Expect 5-10 hours of transition training with an authorised Robinson instructor before insurance will quote a new pilot.

What is the R66 fuel-flow planning number?

Plan on 23 US gallons per hour at typical cruise power; reduce to about 20 gph for long-range cruise and increase to 28 gph for high-power climb. Useful endurance with full long-range tanks is just over three hours plus reserve.

Are R66s available for export?

Yes — R66s trade freely across borders. EASA, CASA, ANAC and CAA approvals are routinely available; check the specific airframe for compliance with the destination regulator and any export-license requirements. ChopperSwap exchanges all export documentation through the secure vault so buyer and seller retain a complete paper trail.