Bell 206 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

No active listings right now.

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 206Bell 407
All events1329148
Serious19215
Fatal31744
Fatalities670112
% Fatal24%30%
View full Bell 206 NTSB record →View full Bell 407 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 206 Bell 407
Bell 407
View 37 listings →
Median $2,900,000
Price Range — $2,099,600 – $4,205,348
Category — Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats — 7
Horsepower — 675 HP
Cruise Speed — 133 kts (246 km/h)
Range — 330 nm (611 km)
Service Ceiling — 18,500 ft (5,639 m)
Max Gross Weight — 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

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 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 if…

Pick the 407 if…

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 or Bell 407?
It depends on your mission and budget. 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?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 206 and Bell 407?
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp).
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?
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