Bell 407 vs Bell 429

The Bell 407 and the Bell 429 are two modern Bell light helicopters with a key difference — one engine or two. The 407 is the powerful four-bladed single; the 429 adds a second engine, a roomier cabin and IFR capability. Where each lands on the market now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Bell 407
For sale now
40
Median asking
$2,900,000
Range
$2,099,600–$4,205,348
Model years available
1997–2021
Bell 429
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 407Bell 429
All events1483
Serious151
Fatal442
Fatalities1123
% Fatal30%67%
View full Bell 407 NTSB record →View full Bell 429 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 407 Bell 429
Bell 407
View 42 listings →
Median $2,900,000
 Bell 429
View 14 listings →
Median $5,650,000
Price Range $2,099,600 – $4,205,348 $5,650,000
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Twin Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 7 8
Horsepower 675 HP 635 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

Estimate

Bell 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 407 for a capable, economical single — a four-bladed rotor, strong power and lower operating cost, proven across utility, tour and corporate work. Choose the 429 for twin-engine redundancy and a roomier IFR-capable cabin — the choice for EMS, over-water and demanding corporate missions. On safety the key divide is engines: the single-engine 407 relies on autorotation, while the twin 429 adds engine-out redundancy valued for night and over-water flying — different margins, both proven. Capable single, or redundant twin.

Pick the 407 if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,099,600 vs $5,650,000, you save ~$3,550,400.
  • More inventory — 42 listings vs 14.

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

What's the difference between the Bell 407 and 429?
The 407 is a single-turbine helicopter; the 429 a twin-turbine with a larger, IFR-capable cabin. The 429 adds engine-out redundancy and room; the 407 is more economical.
Which has two engines?
The 429 — its twin engines add redundancy for EMS, over-water and night operations. The 407 is single-engine and relies on autorotation in an engine failure.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 407 — a single engine means lower fuel and maintenance than the twin 429. The 429 buys redundancy and a roomier cabin.
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?
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 (635 hp). 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