Md Helicopters 530F vs Bell 505
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Md Helicopters 530F
- For sale now
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 2023–2026
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) | MD Helicopters 530F | Bell 505 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 4 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 2 |
| Fatalities | — | 8 |
| % Fatal | — | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | MD Helicopters 530F | Bell 505 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $3,200,000 | $1,423,540 – $2,395,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 5 |
| Horsepower | — | 504 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 134 kts (248 km/h) | 125 kts (232 km/h) |
| Range | 260 nm (482 km) | 340 nm (630 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 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
EstimateMD Helicopters 530F
Bell 505
Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$160,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: MD Helicopters 530F or Bell 505?
Pick the 530F if…
- Faster cruise — 134 kts vs 125 kts.
Pick the 505 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,423,540 vs $3,200,000, you save ~$1,776,460.
- Longer range — 340 nm vs 260 nm.
- More inventory — 26 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, MD Helicopters 530F or Bell 505?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 530F cruises at 134 kts with 260 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 MD Helicopters 530F and Bell 505?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp).
Cruise: 134 vs 125 kts.
Range: 260 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?
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