Bell 205 vs Bell 412
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Bell 205
- For sale now
- 3
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1968–1980
Bell 412
- For sale now
- 15
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 1981–2014
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) | Bell 205 | Bell 412 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 32 | 57 |
| Serious | 3 | 4 |
| Fatal | 10 | 29 |
| Fatalities | 19 | 110 |
| % Fatal | 31% | 51% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Bell 205 | Bell 412 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,295,000 | $5,200,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Twin Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 14 | 15 |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 276 nm (511 km) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 9,500 lbs (4,309 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 70.0 GPH (265 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $150,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $800 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turbo-shaft | 2 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 205
Fuel$385/hr
Variable$800/hr
Annual Fixed$150,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$310,000/yr
Bell 412
Which Should You Buy: Bell 205 or Bell 412?
Pick the 205 if…
- Budget matters — from $2,295,000 vs $5,200,000, you save ~$2,905,000.
Pick the 412 if…
- More seats — 15 vs 14.
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 110 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1979 vs 1969.
- More inventory — 12 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bell 205 or Bell 412?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 205 cruises at 110 kts with 276 nm range.
The 412 cruises at 122 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 205 and Bell 412?
205 engine: Lycoming T53-L-13A.
Seats: 14 vs 15.
Cruise: 110 vs 122 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
205: about $800/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?
205: 14 seats.
412: 15 seats.
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?
205: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
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