Bell 206 vs Md Helicopters 500
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 | MD Helicopters 500 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1329 | 1 |
| Serious | 192 | 0 |
| Fatal | 317 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 670 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 24% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Bell 206 | MD Helicopters 500 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | — |
| Category | — | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 5 |
| Horsepower | — | 420 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | — | 232 nm (430 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 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
EstimateBell 206
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 or MD Helicopters 500?
Pick the 206 if…
Pick the 500 if…
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 or MD Helicopters 500?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 206 and MD Helicopters 500?
500 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 hp).
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?
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