Bell 505 vs Md Helicopters 530F
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Bell 505
- For sale now
- 27
- Median asking
- $1,790,000
- Range
- $1,423,540–$2,395,000
- Model years available
- 2017–2025
Md Helicopters 530F
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 2023–2026
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 505 | MD Helicopters 530F |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 4 | — |
| Serious | 1 | — |
| Fatal | 2 | — |
| Fatalities | 8 | — |
| % Fatal | 50% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Bell 505 | MD Helicopters 530F |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,423,540 – $2,395,000 | $3,200,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 504 HP | 420 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 134 kts (248 km/h) |
| Range | 340 nm (630 km) | 260 nm (482 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 16,000 ft (4,877 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 76.0 gal (288 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 32.0 GPH (121 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $80,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 505
Fuel$165/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$160,000/yr
MD Helicopters 530F
Fuel$176/hr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 505 or MD Helicopters 530F?
Pick the 505 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,423,540 vs $3,200,000, you save ~$1,776,460.
- Longer range — 340 nm vs 260 nm.
- More inventory — 29 listings vs 3.
Pick the 530F if…
- Faster cruise — 134 kts vs 125 kts.
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 505 or MD Helicopters 530F?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 nm range.
The 530F cruises at 134 kts with 260 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 505: from $2,150,000.
MD Helicopters 530F: from $3,200,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 505 and MD Helicopters 530F?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp).
Cruise: 125 vs 134 kts.
Range: 340 vs 260 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
505: about $400/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?
505: 5 seats / 1,500 lb useful load.
530F: 5 seats / 1,500 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?
505: 3,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data