Bell 407 vs Bell 429
The Bell 407 (single-turbine, ~140 kt) and Bell 429 (twin-turbine, ~150 kt) are a single-vs-twin step-up — the 407 is the volume single-engine workhorse; the 429 is the modern light twin with twin-engine redundancy and a flat-floor cabin.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bell 407 | Bell 429 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,000,000 – $4,700,000 | $5,650,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Twin Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 133 kts (246 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 330 nm (611 km) | 380 nm (704 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) | 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) | 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 131.0 gal (496 L) | 200.0 gal (757 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 62.0 GPH (235 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $550 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 2 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 407
Fuel$220/hr
Variable$550/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$210,000/yr
Bell 429
Fuel$341/hr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 407 or Bell 429?
Bottom line: Choose the Bell 407 for single-turbine operating economics and the largest light- turbine fleet. Step up to the Bell 429 when you need twin-engine redundancy (EMS, IFR, corporate over hostile terrain), the flat-floor cabin and modern crashworthy design — at materially higher acquisition and operating cost.
Pick the 407 if…
- Budget matters — from $2,000,000 vs $5,650,000, you save ~$3,650,000.
- More inventory — 43 listings vs 16.
Pick the 429 if…
- More seats — 8 vs 7.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 133 kts.
- Longer range — 380 nm vs 330 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2009 vs 1996.
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 407 or Bell 429?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 nm range.
The 429 cruises at 135 kts with 380 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 407: from $3,350,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 407 and Bell 429?
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp).
429 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1.
Seats: 7 vs 8.
Cruise: 133 vs 135 kts.
Range: 330 vs 380 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
407: about $550/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?
407: 7 seats / 2,347 lb useful load.
429: 8 seats / 2,800 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?
407: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
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