Bell 427 vs Bell 206 JetRanger
The Bell 206 JetRanger (light single-turbine, 5 seats) and the Bell 427 (light twin-turbine, 7 seats) sit in different segments — the 206 is the volume single, the 427 a short-production light twin that the 429 later replaced.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bell 427 | Bell 206 JetRanger |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $915,155 – $3,300,437 | $207,158 – $742,080 |
| Category | Twin Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $150,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turbo-shaft | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 427
Fuel$302/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$150,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$290,000/yr
Bell 206 JetRanger
Which Should You Buy: Bell 427 or Bell 206 JetRanger?
Bottom line: Choose the 206 for single-turbine economics and the largest support network. Choose the 427 only if you specifically need twin-engine redundancy for IFR or commercial work and accept the thinner parts support of an out-of-production twin — for most missions the 429 (the 427's modern successor) is the better light-twin choice.
Pick the 427 if…
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- Budget matters — from $207,158 vs $915,155, you save ~$707,997.
- More inventory — 81 listings vs 8.
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 427 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 427: from $1,450,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 427 and Bell 206 JetRanger?
427 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
427: about $700/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?
427: 8 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?
427: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
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