Bell 407 vs Md Helicopters 530F
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Bell 407
- For sale now
- 40
- Median asking
- $2,900,000
- Range
- $2,099,600–$4,205,348
- Model years available
- 1997–2021
Md Helicopters 530F
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 2023–2026
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 | MD Helicopters 530F |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 148 | — |
| Serious | 15 | — |
| Fatal | 44 | — |
| Fatalities | 112 | — |
| % Fatal | 30% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Bell 407 | MD Helicopters 530F |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,099,600 – $4,205,348 | $3,200,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 420 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 133 kts (246 km/h) | 134 kts (248 km/h) |
| Range | 330 nm (611 km) | 260 nm (482 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 16,000 ft (4,877 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 131.0 gal (496 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 32.0 GPH (121 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $550 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 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
MD Helicopters 530F
Fuel$176/hr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 407 or MD Helicopters 530F?
Pick the 407 if…
- Budget matters — from $2,099,600 vs $3,200,000, you save ~$1,100,400.
- More seats — 7 vs 5.
- Longer range — 330 nm vs 260 nm.
- More inventory — 43 listings vs 3.
Pick the 530F if…
- Faster cruise — 134 kts vs 133 kts.
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 MD Helicopters 530F?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 407 cruises at 133 kts with 330 nm range.
The 530F cruises at 134 kts with 260 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
MD Helicopters 530F: from $3,200,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 407 and MD Helicopters 530F?
407 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (675 hp).
Seats: 7 vs 5.
Cruise: 133 vs 134 kts.
Range: 330 vs 260 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.
530F: 5 seats / 1,500 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?
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data