Robinson R44 vs Bell 407

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

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
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

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)Robinson R44Bell 407
All events366148
Serious3315
Fatal16544
Fatalities345112
% Fatal45%30%
View full Robinson R44 NTSB record →View full Bell 407 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

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

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Robinson R44

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

Bell 407

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

Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 or Bell 407?

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 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.

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Robinson R44 or Bell 407?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range. The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 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 Robinson R44 and Bell 407?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp). 407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp). Seats: 4 vs 7. Cruise: 110 vs 133 kts. Range: 300 vs 330 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: about $200/hr variable cost. 407: about $550/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?
R44: 4 seats / 882 lb useful load. 407: 7 seats / 2,347 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?
R44: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000. 407: 3,500-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