Bell 505 vs Eurocopter H130

The H130 and Bell 505 Jet Ranger X compare a wide-cabin tour single against Bell's modern, economical light turbine.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Bell 505
For sale now
27
Median asking
$1,790,000
Range
$1,423,540–$2,395,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
10
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
2017–2025
Eurocopter H130
For sale now
24
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
8
Source marketplaces
10
Model years available
2002–2026

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 505Eurocopter H130
All events4—
Serious1—
Fatal2—
Fatalities8—
% Fatal50%—
View full Bell 505 NTSB record →View full Eurocopter H130 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 505 Eurocopter H130
Bell 505
View 26 listings →
Median $1,790,000
 Eurocopter H130
View 18 listings →
Median $1,920,591
Price Range $1,423,540 – $2,395,000 $864,961 – $3,858,750
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 7
Horsepower 504 HP —
Cruise Speed 125 kts (232 km/h) 125 kts (232 km/h)
Range 340 nm (630 km) 330 nm (611 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 23,000 ft (7,010 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) 5,511 lbs (2,500 kg)
Useful Load 1,500 lbs (680 kg) 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg)
Fuel Capacity 76.0 gal (288 L) 143.0 gal (541 L)
Fuel Burn 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) 42.0 GPH (159 L/h)
TBO 3,000 hrs 3,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $250,000 $350,000
Annual Fixed $80,000 $100,000
Hourly Variable $400 $500
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 505

Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $160,000/yr

Eurocopter H130

Fuel$231/hr
Variable$500/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $200,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bell 505 or Eurocopter H130?

Bottom line: Choose the Bell 505 for lower cost and a modern glass single; choose the H130 for more cabin, more power and tour/EMS refinement. 505 = value/modern-light; H130 = cabin/capability. ================================================================ # Eurocopter H135 / H145 — twin-turbine EMS/utility ================================================================

Pick the 505 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$400/hr vs $500/hr.
  • Longer range — 340 nm vs 330 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2017 vs 2001.
  • More inventory — 26 listings vs 18.

Pick the H130 if…

  • Budget matters — from $864,961 vs $1,423,540, you save ~$558,579.
  • More seats — 7 vs 5.

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 505 or Eurocopter H130?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 nm range. The H130 cruises at 125 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 505 and Eurocopter H130?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp). H130 engine: Safran Turbomeca Arriel 2D. Seats: 5 vs 7. Cruise: 125 vs 125 kts. Range: 340 vs 330 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
505: about $400/hr variable cost. H130: about $500/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?
505: 5 seats / 1,500 lb useful load. H130: 7 seats / 2,400 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?
505: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000. H130: 3,000-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