Bell 407 vs Bell 429
The Bell 407 (single-turbine, ~140 kt) and Bell 429 (twin-turbine, ~150 kt) are a single-vs-twin step-up — the 407 is the volume single-engine workhorse; the 429 is the modern light twin with twin-engine redundancy and a flat-floor cabin.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- For sale now
- 15
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 2012–2027
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 407 | Bell 429 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 148 | 3 |
| Serious | 15 | 1 |
| Fatal | 44 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 112 | 3 |
| % Fatal | 30% | 67% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 407 | Bell 429 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,099,600 – $4,205,348 | $5,650,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Twin Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 133 kts (246 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 330 nm (611 km) | 380 nm (704 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) | 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) | 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 131.0 gal (496 L) | 200.0 gal (757 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 62.0 GPH (235 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $550 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 2 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 407
Bell 429
Which Should You Buy: Bell 407 or Bell 429?
Bottom line: Choose the Bell 407 for single-turbine operating economics and the largest light- turbine fleet. Step up to the Bell 429 when you need twin-engine redundancy (EMS, IFR, corporate over hostile terrain), the flat-floor cabin and modern crashworthy design — at materially higher acquisition and operating cost.
Pick the 407 if…
- Budget matters — from $2,099,600 vs $5,650,000, you save ~$3,550,400.
- More inventory — 37 listings vs 15.
Pick the 429 if…
- More seats — 8 vs 7.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 133 kts.
- Longer range — 380 nm vs 330 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2009 vs 1996.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.