Bell 430 vs Sikorsky S-76

The Bell 430 and Sikorsky S-76 are corporate/offshore light-medium twins — the 430 is the stretched four-blade Bell; the S-76 is the sleek, fast, widely-used offshore/VIP twin with a larger cabin and strong fleet.

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
Sikorsky S-76

No active listings right now.

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 430Sikorsky S-76
All events1547
Serious09
Fatal513
Fatalities1553
% Fatal33%28%
View full Bell 430 NTSB record →View full Sikorsky S-76 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Bell 430 Sikorsky S-76
Bell 430
View 4 listings →
Median $1,562,500
Price Range $1,303,750 – $1,821,250 —
Category Twin Turbine Helicopter —
Model Specifications
Seats 10 —
Cruise Speed — 155 kts (287 km/h)
Range — 411 nm (761 km)
Max Gross Weight — 11,700 lbs (5,307 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 —

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Bell 430

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

Sikorsky S-76

Which Should You Buy: Bell 430 or Sikorsky S-76?

Bottom line: Choose the S-76 for speed, cabin size and the dominant offshore/VIP support fleet. Choose the Bell 430 for lower acquisition cost and Bell support, when the S-76's size and speed aren't required.

Pick the 430 if…

Pick the S-76 if…

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 Sikorsky S-76?
It depends on your mission and budget. The S-76 cruises at 155 kts with 411 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 Sikorsky S-76?
430 engine: Rolls Royce 250-C40B.
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. 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