Bell 430 vs Bell 222

The Bell 222 and 430 are predecessor and successor light twins — the 222 is the 1980s sleek twin (the first US commercial light twin of its kind); the 430 is the stretched, more powerful development with a four-blade rotor and more cabin.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Bell 430
For sale now
4
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
4
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
2000–2008
Bell 222
For sale now
5
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1981–1992

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 430Bell 222
All events1548
Serious02
Fatal510
Fatalities1527
% Fatal33%21%
View full Bell 430 NTSB record →View full Bell 222 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 430 Bell 222
Bell 430
View 4 listings →
Median $1,562,500
 Bell 222
View 5 listings →
Median $822,536
Price Range $1,303,750 – $1,821,250 $707,754 – $937,319
Category Twin Turbine Helicopter Twin Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 10 2
Cruise Speed — 133 kts (246 km/h)
Range — 282 nm (522 km)
Max Gross Weight — 8,100 lbs (3,674 kg)
Fuel Burn 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) —
TBO 3,500 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $420,000 —
Annual Fixed $160,000 —
Hourly Variable $750 —
Engines 2 x Turbo-shaft 2 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 430

Fuel$330/hr
Variable$750/hr
Annual Fixed$160,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $310,000/yr

Bell 222

Which Should You Buy: Bell 430 or Bell 222?

Bottom line: Choose the 430 for more power, a larger cabin and the smoother four-blade rotor. Choose the 222 only for the lowest entry into a Bell light twin, accepting older systems, thinner support and higher per-hour cost.

Pick the 430 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 2.
  • Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1982.

Pick the 222 if…

  • Budget matters — from $707,754 vs $1,303,750, you save ~$595,996.
  • More inventory — 5 listings vs 4.

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 430 or Bell 222?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 222 cruises at 133 kts with 282 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 430: from $1,850,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 430 and Bell 222?
430 engine: Rolls Royce 250-C40B. Seats: 10 vs 2.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
430: about $750/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?
430: 10 seats. 222: 2 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?
430: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$420,000. 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