Bell 407 vs Bell 505
The Bell 407 and the Bell 505 are two modern Bell single-turbine helicopters — the more powerful 407 and the value-priced 505 Jet Ranger X. The 407 is the capable, four-bladed workhorse; the 505 the newer, lower-cost five-seater with a glass cockpit. Where each lands on the market now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 40
- Median asking
- $2,900,000
- Range
- $2,099,600–$4,205,348
- Model years available
- 1997–2021
- For sale now
- 27
- Median asking
- $1,790,000
- Range
- $1,423,540–$2,395,000
- Model years available
- 2017–2025
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 407 | Bell 505 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 148 | 4 |
| Serious | 15 | 1 |
| Fatal | 44 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 112 | 8 |
| % Fatal | 30% | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 407 | Bell 505 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,099,600 – $4,205,348 | $1,423,540 – $2,395,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 504 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 133 kts (246 km/h) | 125 kts (232 km/h) |
| Range | 330 nm (611 km) | 340 nm (630 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) | 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 131.0 gal (496 L) | 76.0 gal (288 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | $250,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | $80,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $550 | $400 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 407
Bell 505
Which Should You Buy: Bell 407 or Bell 505?
Bottom line: Choose the 407 for capability and power — a four-bladed rotor, more payload and performance, proven across utility, EMS and corporate work. Choose the 505 for modern value — a glass cockpit, five seats and Bell's name at a lower entry point. On safety both are single-turbine helicopters relying on autorotation with proven records; the difference is power and capability versus cost, not safety. Capable workhorse, or modern value.
Pick the 407 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 133 kts vs 125 kts.
- More inventory — 42 listings vs 28.
Pick the 505 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,423,540 vs $2,099,600, you save ~$676,060.
- Lower operating cost — ~$400/hr vs $550/hr.
- Longer range — 340 nm vs 330 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2017 vs 1996.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.