Bell 206 JetRanger vs Bell 429
The Bell 206 JetRanger, Bell 407 and Bell 429 climb Bell's light-turbine ladder — the economical classic single, the more powerful four-bladed single, and the modern twin. The 206 JetRanger is the timeless, ubiquitous trainer and utility helicopter; the 407 adds power, payload and a smoother four-bladed rotor; the 429 steps up to two engines and a roomier IFR-capable cabin. 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
- 78
- Median asking
- $453,960
- Range
- $301,200–$695,200
- Model years available
- 1966–2009
- For sale now
- 15
- Model years available
- 2012–2026
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 206 JetRanger | Bell 429 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 2 |
| Fatalities | — | 3 |
| % Fatal | — | 67% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 206 JetRanger | Bell 429 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $301,200 – $695,200 | $5,650,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Twin Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 8 |
| Horsepower | — | 635 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 337 nm (624 km) | 380 nm (704 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg) | 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,492 lbs (677 kg) | 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 200.0 gal (757 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 62.0 GPH (235 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 2 x Turboshaft |
Which Should You Buy: Bell 206 JetRanger or Bell 429?
Bottom line: Choose the 206 JetRanger for economy and ubiquity — the lowest costs and a worldwide support network, ideal for training and light utility. Choose the 407 for more capability in a single — a four-bladed rotor, more power and payload and a smoother ride. Choose the 429 for twin-engine redundancy and a modern cabin — two engines, IFR capability and the room for EMS, corporate and demanding missions. On safety all three are proven Bells; the single-engine 206 and 407 rely on autorotation, while the twin 429 adds engine-out redundancy — a real step for over-water and night operations. Economical classic, capable single, or modern twin.
Pick the 206 JetRanger if…
- Budget matters — from $301,200 vs $5,650,000, you save ~$5,348,800.
- More inventory — 86 listings vs 14.
Pick the 429 if…
- More seats — 8 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 120 kts.
- Longer range — 380 nm vs 337 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.