Bell 206 JetRanger vs Bell 407

The Bell 206 JetRanger and Bell 407 are the classic and the modern Bell light single-turbine helicopters — same lineage, but the 407 is the higher-performance four-blade evolution with more power, a smoother ride and a stand-up cabin where the 206 doesn't quite reach.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Bell 206 JetRanger
For sale now
78
Median asking
$453,960
Range
$301,200–$695,200
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
25
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1966–2009
Bell 407
For sale now
40
Median asking
$2,900,000
Range
$2,099,600–$4,205,348
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1997–2021

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 206 JetRangerBell 407
All events148
Serious15
Fatal44
Fatalities112
% Fatal30%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 206 JetRanger Bell 407
Bell 206 JetRanger
View 76 listings →
Median $453,960
Bell 407
View 37 listings →
Median $2,900,000
Price Range $301,200 – $695,200 $2,099,600 – $4,205,348
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 7
Horsepower 675 HP
Cruise Speed 120 kts (222 km/h) 133 kts (246 km/h)
Range 337 nm (624 km) 330 nm (611 km)
Service Ceiling 18,500 ft (5,639 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg)
Useful Load 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg)
Fuel Capacity 131.0 gal (496 L)
Fuel Burn 40.0 GPH (151 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000
Annual Fixed $100,000
Hourly Variable $550
Engines 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 206 JetRanger

Bell 407

Fuel$220/hr
Variable$550/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $210,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Bell 407?

Bottom line: Choose the Bell 206 for the lowest operating cost, the largest support network and classic JetRanger handling — it remains the world's most popular turbine helicopter. Step up to the 407 when you need more power, better hot-and-high performance, the four-blade rotor's smoother ride and the option of glass-cockpit (GXi) avionics for IFR or commercial roles.

Pick the 206 JetRanger if…

  • Budget matters — from $301,200 vs $2,099,600, you save ~$1,798,400.
  • Longer range — 337 nm vs 330 nm.
  • More inventory — 76 listings vs 37.

Pick the 407 if…

  • More seats — 7 vs 5.
  • Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 120 kts.

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 206 JetRanger or Bell 407?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 206 JetRanger cruises at 120 kts with 337 nm range. The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 206 JetRanger: from $450,021. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 206 JetRanger and Bell 407?
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp). Seats: 5 vs 7. Cruise: 120 vs 133 kts. Range: 337 vs 330 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
407: about $550/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?
206 JetRanger: 5 seats. 407: 7 seats / 2,347 lb useful load. 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?
407: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. 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