Bell 212 vs Bell 206 JetRanger
The Bell 206 JetRanger and the Bell 212 are very different aircraft — the 206 is a five-seat light single-turbine; the 212 is a 15-seat medium twin-turbine derived from the UH-1 Huey lineage. They share Bell heritage but serve completely different missions.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bell 212 | Bell 206 JetRanger |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,870,000 – $3,675,000 | $207,158 – $742,080 |
| Category | Twin Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 15 | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 80.0 GPH (303 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $450,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $180,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $900 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turbo-shaft | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 212
Fuel$440/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$360,000/yr
Bell 206 JetRanger
Which Should You Buy: Bell 212 or Bell 206 JetRanger?
Bottom line: Choose the 206 for light private, training, charter and utility roles in a single- turbine that is cheap to operate and supported everywhere. The 212 is for serious utility, offshore and EMS missions where twin-engine redundancy and 15-seat capacity are required — operating cost is multiples of the 206 and the 212 is not a sensible private-flying choice.
Pick the 212 if…
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- Budget matters — from $207,158 vs $1,870,000, you save ~$1,662,842.
- More inventory — 91 listings vs 15.
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 212 or Bell 206 JetRanger?
It depends on your mission and budget.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 212: from $1,870,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 212 and Bell 206 JetRanger?
212 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3;PT6T-3B.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
212: about $900/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?
212: 15 seats.
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?
212: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$450,000.
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