R66?
I test flew a new R66 for the first time today and, to be honest, I wasn't all that wowed by it. Very smooth and handles like a dream. The downside was that over 100 knots it feels just as lumpy as an R44. I guess with the same blades you'll have the same balancing issues.
Also it's cramped in the back for more than a small adult and didn't have that solid feel about it that a Bell 206 has - all still feels a bit M.Mouse for my taste. Personally I would stick to a Jetranger for AOC and leave the Robinson's to the private owners and flight training schools.
I would also agree with what others have stated about the life of the R66. Not only does the airframe have a 2200 hour overhaul life, but the engine has a 2000 hour or 3000 cycle life. The engine is not modular either, it's one lump so if anything goes wrong you have to send the whole thing for repair. RHC and RR must have teamed up to screw the market on this one.
With regards to EASA certification, RHC R66 SB-03 (hydraulic servo rework) may be the final step towards getting it but as usual is at the customers expense.
But that's just my opinion, others may feel free to disagree