Bell 206 JetRanger vs Md Helicopters 500

The MD 500 and Bell 206 JetRanger are classic single-turbine helicopters — the MD 500 compact, fast and agile, the 206 the smooth, economical training/utility benchmark.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Bell 206 JetRanger
For sale now
78
Median asking
$453,960
Range
$301,200–$695,200
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
25
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1966–2009
Md Helicopters 500

No active listings right now.

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 JetRangerMD Helicopters 500
All events—1
Serious—0
Fatal—0
Fatalities—0
% Fatal—0%
View full Bell 206 JetRanger NTSB record →View full MD Helicopters 500 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 206 JetRanger MD Helicopters 500
Bell 206 JetRanger
View 76 listings →
Median $453,960
Price Range $301,200 – $695,200 —
Category Single Turbine Helicopter —
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower — 420 HP
Cruise Speed 120 kts (222 km/h) 135 kts (250 km/h)
Range 337 nm (624 km) 232 nm (430 km)
Max Gross Weight 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
Useful Load — 1,550 lbs (703 kg)
Fuel Burn — 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO — 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $250,000
Annual Fixed — $80,000
Hourly Variable — $450
Engines — 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 206 JetRanger

MD Helicopters 500

Fuel$192/hr
Variable$450/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $170,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or MD Helicopters 500?

Bottom line: Choose the MD 500 for speed, agility and a compact footprint (ENG, law enforcement, tight sites); choose the Bell 206 for a smoother ride, lower operating cost and the largest turbine support base. MD 500 = agility/speed; 206 = ride/economy/support.

Pick the 206 JetRanger if…

  • Longer range — 337 nm vs 232 nm.

Pick the 500 if…

  • Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 120 kts.

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 206 JetRanger or MD Helicopters 500?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 206 JetRanger cruises at 120 kts with 337 nm range. The 500 cruises at 135 kts with 232 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 206 JetRanger: from $450,021. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 206 JetRanger and MD Helicopters 500?
500 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 hp). Cruise: 120 vs 135 kts. Range: 337 vs 232 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
500: about $450/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?
206 JetRanger: 5 seats. 500: 5 seats / 1,550 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?
500: 3,500-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