Bell 429 vs Bell 412
The Bell 412 (medium twin) and 429 (light twin) are different-class Bells — the 412 is the larger, rugged utility/offshore medium twin; the 429 is the sleeker, faster light twin for EMS and corporate roles.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 15
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 2012–2027
- 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 429 | Bell 412 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | 57 |
| Serious | 1 | 4 |
| Fatal | 2 | 29 |
| Fatalities | 3 | 110 |
| % Fatal | 67% | 51% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 429 | Bell 412 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $5,650,000 | $5,200,000 |
| Category | Twin Turbine Helicopter | Twin Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 15 |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 380 nm (704 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 200.0 gal (757 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 62.0 GPH (235 L/h) | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turboshaft | 2 x Turboshaft |
Which Should You Buy: Bell 429 or Bell 412?
Bottom line: Choose the 412 for cabin size, payload and rugged utility/offshore work. Choose the 429 for lower operating cost, modern systems and a flat-floor light-twin cabin — when the 412's lift and size aren't needed.
Pick the 429 if…
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 122 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2009 vs 1979.
- More inventory — 15 listings vs 12.
Pick the 412 if…
- Budget matters — from $5,200,000 vs $5,650,000, you save ~$450,000.
- More seats — 15 vs 8.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.