Bell 206 JetRanger vs Bell 407
The Bell 206 JetRanger and the Bell 407 are two generations of the same Bell light single-turbine helicopter — the 407 grew directly out of the 206 — and buyers cross-shop them constantly. The 206 JetRanger is the timeless classic: economical, ubiquitous, with a worldwide support network and a two-bladed rotor that has flown almost every mission imaginable. The 407 is the modern evolution: a four-bladed rotor, more power and a roomier cabin, for a smoother ride and more capability. How each is priced now, and how many are out there, is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 78
- Median asking
- $453,960
- Range
- $301,200–$695,200
- Model years available
- 1966–2009
- For sale now
- 40
- Median asking
- $2,900,000
- Range
- $2,099,600–$4,205,348
- 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) | Bell 206 JetRanger | Bell 407 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 148 |
| Serious | — | 15 |
| Fatal | — | 44 |
| Fatalities | — | 112 |
| % Fatal | — | 30% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 206 JetRanger | Bell 407 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $301,200 – $695,200 | $2,099,600 – $4,205,348 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Horsepower | — | 675 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 133 kts (246 km/h) |
| Range | 337 nm (624 km) | 330 nm (611 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,492 lbs (677 kg) | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 131.0 gal (496 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $550 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 206 JetRanger
Bell 407
Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Bell 407?
Bottom line: Choose the 206 JetRanger for economy and ubiquity — lower acquisition and operating costs, parts and pilots everywhere, and a proven light single that does training, utility and private flying without fuss. Choose the 407 for capability and comfort — its four-bladed rotor and stronger engine bring more power, payload and a notably smoother ride, at a higher cost. On safety both are single-turbine helicopters that rely on autorotation in an engine failure and reward proper training; the 407's extra power adds margin in demanding conditions, while the JetRanger's vast support network keeps it well-maintained worldwide. The classic and economical, or the modern and more capable.
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- Budget matters — from $301,200 vs $2,099,600, you save ~$1,798,400.
- Longer range — 337 nm vs 330 nm.
- More inventory — 85 listings vs 42.
Pick the 407 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 120 kts.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.