What is the annual operating cost of a Robinson R66?

For 100 hours/year, expect $55,000–$70,000 in total operating costs. Entry-level turbine helicopters offer reliability and affordability; costs reflect accessible turbine helicopter economics.

How much fuel does Robinson R66 burn?

Rolls-Royce 250-C20W/S turboshaft burns 18–22 gal/hr cruise. Jet-A at $5.50/gal ranges $99–$121/hour.

What is Robinson R66 engine TBO?

Rolls-Royce 250: 3,600 hours TBO; $38,000–$48,000 overhaul. Engine reserve $10–$13/hour.

How much does Robinson R66 insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $3,500–$5,500 for $400,000–$500,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours.

Can you finance a Robinson R66?

Yes. A $300,000 R66 at 6.5% APR over 10 years costs ~$4,400/month ($52,800/year).

What is Robinson R66 service ceiling?

Maximum altitude 15,000 ft. Single turbine, two-seat configuration. Excellent for training and personal transport.

How does R66 compare to Bell 206L?

R66 single turbine entry-level; 206L commercial twin-turbine. R66 60–70% cheaper to operate, perfect for training.

What is Robinson R66 TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$107,000–$123,000 annually (operating + debt). By year 11 (loan paid): ~$55,000–$70,000/year.

What maintenance does R66 require?

Annual inspections $2,000–$3,000, turbine checks $1,000–$1,500/year. Budget $30–$40/hour maintenance.

Is Robinson R66 good for flight training?

Yes. Ideal entry-level turbine helicopter for training schools and personal transport. Reliability and cost justify popularity.

The True Operating Cost of Robinson R66 Turbine

The Robinson R66 is an entry-level turbine helicopter offering two-seat configuration, exceptional fuel efficiency, and legendary reliability. Plan for $55,000–$70,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $550–$700 per hour. The R66 democratizes turbine helicopter ownership with affordable operating costs, making it ideal for flight schools, personal transport, and training operations.

Quick Specs: Robinson R66 Turbine

Specification	R66 Turbine
Engine	1 × Rolls-Royce 250-C20W/S (350 shp turboshaft)
Fuel Burn	18–22 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed	100–120 mph
Service Ceiling	15,000 ft
Useful Load	600–700 lbs
Seats	2
Range	200–250 nm

TL;DR: Robinson R66 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $18,000–$24,000/year (insurance $3,500–$5,500, hangar $6,000–$8,000, annuals $2,000–$3,000, turbine checks)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $37,000–$46,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $55,000–$70,000/year (~$550–$700/hour)
Finance a $300,000 R66: Add $4,400/month ($52,800/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
At 50 hours: ~$46,500–$57,000/year (~$930–$1,140/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$74,000–$92,000/year (~$370–$460/hour)

Entry-Level Turbine Helicopter Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $3,500–$5,500/year for $400,000–$500,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
Hangar: $6,000–$8,000/year (helicopter-sized storage)
Annual inspection: $2,000–$3,000 labor (rotorcraft maintenance)
Turbine checks: $1,500–$2,000/year

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A fuel: 20 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$110/hour
Oil and hydraulic fluid: $4–$6/hour
Engine reserve: $10–$13/hour ($43K ÷ 3,600 TBO)
Helicopter maintenance: $35–$45/hour (rotorhead, transmission, systems)
Landing fees: $10–$30/landing

Jet-A Fuel & Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours	Gallons Jet-A	Cost @ $5.50/gal	$/Hour
50	1,000	$5,500	$110
100	2,000	$11,000	$110
150	3,000	$16,500	$110
200	4,000	$22,000	$110

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Rolls-Royce 250 Engine

250-C20W/S: 3,600 hours TBO
Overhaul cost: $40,000–$50,000
Engine reserve: $11–$14/hour ($43K ÷ 3,600)
Reliability: Proven workhorse in training environments

Helicopter-Specific Maintenance

Rotorhead inspection: $800–$1,200/year
Transmission service: $600–$1,000/year
Hydraulic system flush: $400–$700/year
Tail rotor maintenance: $300–$500/year
Budget: $35–$45/hour for all maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Entry-Level Turbine Insurance

$400,000 hull, 500+ hours, training: $3,500–$4,500/year
$500,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $5,000–$6,500/year
Commercial training: +50–75% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Helicopter Hangar	$500–$670	$6,000–$8,000
Open Tie-Down	$150–$250	$1,800–$3,000

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$21,000	$19,500	$40,500	$810
100	$21,000	$39,000	$60,000	$600
200	$21,000	$78,000	$99,000	$495

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $300,000 Robinson R66, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $52,800/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$60,000	$52,800	$112,800	$1,128
200	$99,000	$52,800	$151,800	$759

Financing the Robinson R66

Purchase price: $250,000–$400,000 (depends on year, avionics, hours)
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $220,000–$340,000
Term: 10–15 years
APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $3,200–$5,300

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial rotorcraft rated, $200,000+ annual income, business plan, hull insurance $400K+. Lenders like JakenAviation support R66 financing for training operators and personal owners.

Robinson R66 vs. Competitors

vs. Bell 206L: R66 entry-level turbine; 206L commercial twin-turbine. R66 60–70% cheaper to operate
vs. Schweizer 300C: R66 turbine reliability; Schweizer piston economy option
vs. Airbus AS350: AS350 larger and more capable; R66 more affordable entry point

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Sources: Robinson Helicopter Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS