Bell 222 vs Bell 430

The Bell 222 and 430 are predecessor and successor light twins — the 222 is the 1980s sleek twin (the first US commercial light twin of its kind); the 430 is the stretched, more powerful development with a four-blade rotor and more cabin.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Bell 222
For sale now
4
Model years available
1981–1987
Bell 430
For sale now
3
Model years available
2000–2008

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 222Bell 430
All events4815
Serious20
Fatal105
Fatalities2715
% Fatal21%33%
View full Bell 222 NTSB record →View full Bell 430 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 222 Bell 430
Bell 222
View 4 listings →
Bell 430
View 3 listings →
Median $1,562,500
Price Range — $1,303,750 – $1,821,250
Category Twin Turbine Helicopter Twin Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 8 10
Horsepower 592 HP 640 HP
Cruise Speed 133 kts (246 km/h) 140 kts (259 km/h)
Range 282 nm (522 km) 340 nm (630 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 8,100 lbs (3,674 kg) —
Useful Load 2,200 lbs (998 kg) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
Fuel Burn 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) 60.0 GPH (227 L/h)
TBO — 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $420,000
Annual Fixed — $160,000
Hourly Variable — $750
Engines 2 x Turboshaft 2 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 222

Fuel$302/hr

Bell 430

Fuel$330/hr
Variable$750/hr
Annual Fixed$160,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $310,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Bell 222 or Bell 430?

Bottom line: Choose the 430 for more power, a larger cabin and the smoother four-blade rotor. Choose the 222 only for the lowest entry into a Bell light twin, accepting older systems, thinner support and higher per-hour cost.

Pick the 222 if…

  • More inventory — 4 listings vs 3.

Pick the 430 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 8.
  • Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 133 kts.
  • Longer range — 340 nm vs 282 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1982.

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 222 or Bell 430?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 222 cruises at 133 kts with 282 nm range. The 430 cruises at 140 kts with 340 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 430: from $1,850,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 222 and Bell 430?
430 engine: Rolls Royce 250-C40B (640 hp). Seats: 8 vs 10. Cruise: 133 vs 140 kts. Range: 282 vs 340 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
430: about $750/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?
222: 8 seats / 2,200 lb useful load. 430: 10 seats / 2,500 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?
430: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$420,000. 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data