Eurocopter H120 vs Bell 505

The Eurocopter H120 and Bell 505 Jet Ranger X are light single-turbine helicopters — the H120 has the enclosed Fenestron tail and refined cabin; the 505 is the modern Bell light single with a flat-floor cabin, Garmin avionics and strong value.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Eurocopter H120
For sale now
26
Median asking
$801,512
Range
$577,500–$949,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
10
Source marketplaces
10
Model years available
1999–2010
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

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)Eurocopter H120Bell 505
All events4
Serious1
Fatal2
Fatalities8
% Fatal50%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Eurocopter H120 Bell 505
Eurocopter H120
View 25 listings →
Median $801,512
Bell 505
View 26 listings →
Median $1,790,000
Price Range $577,500 – $949,000 $1,423,540 – $2,395,000
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower 504 HP
Cruise Speed 122 kts (226 km/h) 125 kts (232 km/h)
Range 393 nm (728 km) 340 nm (630 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,781 lbs (1,715 kg) 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg)
Useful Load 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
Fuel Capacity 76.0 gal (288 L)
Fuel Burn 30.0 GPH (114 L/h)
TBO 3,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $250,000
Annual Fixed $80,000
Hourly Variable $400
Engines 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Eurocopter H120

Bell 505

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

Which Should You Buy: Eurocopter H120 or Bell 505?

Bottom line: Choose the Bell 505 for modern avionics, a flat-floor cabin, strong support and competitive cost. Choose the H120 for the quiet Fenestron refinement, when its cabin and feel suit the mission — accepting a smaller, ageing fleet.

Pick the H120 if…

  • Budget matters — from $577,500 vs $1,423,540, you save ~$846,040.
  • Longer range — 393 nm vs 340 nm.

Pick the 505 if…

  • Faster cruise — 125 kts vs 122 kts.
  • More inventory — 26 listings vs 25.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Eurocopter H120 or Bell 505?
It depends on your mission and budget. The H120 cruises at 122 kts with 393 nm range. The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 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 Eurocopter H120 and Bell 505?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp). Cruise: 122 vs 125 kts. Range: 393 vs 340 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
505: about $400/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?
H120: 5 seats. 505: 5 seats / 1,500 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. 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