So you’ve logged your hours in the R22 or R44. Maybe you’ve flown fixed-wing for years. Now you’re ready to step up to a Robinson R66.
Congratulations, owning a turbine helicopter is a huge milestone.
But before you take the left seat, there’s one important step you need to understand:
How to get insured as a turbine transition pilot.
At BWI, we work with R66 pilots and owners every day, and we’ve helped hundreds of rotor pilots transition safely (and affordably) into turbine-class insurance.
This article breaks down:
- What underwriters look for
- How to build your file
- What training is required
- And how much you can expect to pay as a first-time turbine owner
Let’s get started.
Why the R66 Is the Ideal First Turbine Helicopter
The Robinson R66 offers the perfect balance of power, cost-efficiency, and accessibility. With its:
- 5-seat layout
- ~300 NM range
- Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine
- Operating costs well below other turbine platforms
…it’s one of the most common stepping stones into the world of turbine helicopters.
But it still carries the complexity of turbine-class underwriting.
What Underwriters Want to See in Transition Pilots
Unlike piston helicopters, you won’t get an R66 policy with just a few logged hours. You’ll need to show underwriters a clear path to becoming turbine proficient.
Here’s what they look for:
No turbine time? No problem—if you have a plan. We help you build one.
What Is a “Transition File”?
When you apply for R66 insurance as a first-time turbine pilot, you’ll need a file that includes:
- Total time + time in rotorcraft
- Time in the R22 or R44 (if applicable)
- Planned transition training:
- Sim sessions
- Dual with a CFI/ATP
- Mentor hours from factory programs
- Medical certificate
- Use declaration (personal, business, charter, etc.)
- Storage (hangar preferred)
We create this file for you and present it to every R66-capable underwriter on your behalf.
What Does R66 Insurance Cost for Transition Pilots?
Here are actual premium examples from BWI clients:
1,000 hrs TT | 10 hrs turbine | $875,000 Hull | Sim plan scheduled
Annual Premium: $31,400
1,200 hrs TT | 0 hrs turbine | $950,000 Hull | Dual instructor time declared
Annual Premium: $33,150
1,000 hrs TT | 25 hrs turbine | $1,000,000 Hull | Mentor program completed
Annual Premium: $26,700
1,500 hrs TT | 100 hrs turbine | $1.2M Hull | Smooth liability approved
Annual Premium: $21,500
As you gain turbine time, complete training, and build make/model hours, your premium can drop by 20–40% over 2–3 policy years.
5 Steps to Get Approved as a First-Time R66 Pilot
- Submit a Complete Pilot Profile. Include: total time, rototorcraft hours, make/model time, ratings and certificates, and sim and dual history.
- Declare Your Training Plan. Underwriters won’t guess. Show:
- Mentor pilot hours (factory or local)
- Dual instruction booked or completed
- Simulator time with log documentation
- Recurrent or formal training programs
- Disclose Your Use Honestly. Flying Part 91? Instruction? Utility? Charter? Be accurate. We’ll structure the policy and endorsements around your actual mission.
- Request Smooth Liability (If Eligible). If you plan to carry multiple passengers or want added legal protection, ask about smooth liability early. Even if you don’t qualify now, we’ll target it for renewal.
- Let Us Submit to Every Carrier. BWI quotes every A-rated underwriter who writes the R66. We know who’s best for new turbine pilots, and how to position your file.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t rush your training, it shows up in your rate
- Don’t let someone else fill out your application without reviewing it
- Don’t assume your piston broker knows turbine underwriting
- Don’t fly the R66 without coverage in place
What Happens After Year One?
Once you’ve logged:
- 50–100 hours in make/model
- Completed your mentor/sim training
- Maintained a clean claims record
…your next quote could drop by $3,000–$7,000 depending on use, hull, and coverage.
We help you update your pilot profile every year and remarket the policy when it makes sense.
Final Thoughts
The Robinson R66 is the perfect first turbine for thousands of pilots. But only if you have the right insurance plan in place.
At BWI, we help first-time turbine pilots:
- Get covered
- Present their profile correctly
- Save money over time
- And fly with total confidence
Call (800) 666-4359 or click below to request your R66 turbine transition insurance quote today.
GET R66 TRANSITION COVERAGE
Continue Reading
