Bell 407 vs Robinson R44

The Robinson R44 and the Bell 407 are very different helicopters — the R44 is a four-seat piston single in the ~$500K-new class; the 407 is a seven-seat single-turbine in the multi-million class. Both serve light-helicopter missions but at completely different price and capability points.

Live Market Snapshot

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

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
Robinson R44
For sale now
446
Median asking
$337,560
Range
$103,500–$722,186
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
94
Source marketplaces
17
Model years available
1994–2026

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 407Robinson R44
All events148366
Serious1533
Fatal44165
Fatalities112345
% Fatal30%45%
View full Bell 407 NTSB record →View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 407 Robinson R44
Bell 407
View 37 listings →
Median $2,900,000
 Robinson R44
View 426 listings →
Median $337,560
Price Range $2,099,600 – $4,205,348 $103,500 – $722,186
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 7 4
Horsepower 675 HP 260 HP
Cruise Speed 133 kts (246 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 330 nm (611 km) 300 nm (556 km)
Service Ceiling 18,500 ft (5,639 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
Useful Load 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) 882 lbs (400 kg)
Fuel Capacity 131.0 gal (496 L) 48.0 gal (182 L)
Fuel Burn 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000 $150,000
Annual Fixed $100,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $550 $200
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 407

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

Robinson R44

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bell 407 or Robinson R44?

Bottom line: Choose the R44 for affordable four-seat helicopter ownership with piston simplicity. Step up to the Bell 407 when you need seven seats, turbine reliability, hot-and-high performance and the operational profile of commercial/EMS work — at several times the R44's acquisition and operating cost.

Pick the 407 if…

  • More seats — 7 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 110 kts.
  • Longer range — 330 nm vs 300 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1996 vs 1993.

Pick the R44 if…

  • Budget matters — from $103,500 vs $2,099,600, you save ~$1,996,100.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $550/hr.
  • More inventory — 426 listings vs 37.

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 407 or Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 nm range. The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R44: from $650,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 407 and Robinson R44?
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp). R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp). Seats: 7 vs 4. Cruise: 133 vs 110 kts. Range: 330 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
407: about $550/hr variable cost. R44: about $200/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. R44: 4 seats / 882 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. R44: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000. 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