Bell 505 vs Md Helicopters 600N
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 600N
- For sale now
- 7
- Model years available
- 1998–2013
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 600N |
|---|---|---|
| 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 600N |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,423,540 – $2,395,000 | $1,250,000 – $3,230,000 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 504 HP | 808 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 340 nm (630 km) | 357 nm (661 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 16,000 ft (4,877 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,680 lbs (1,669 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) | 1,700 lbs (771 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 76.0 gal (288 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,000 hrs | 3,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $80,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $500 |
| 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 600N
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$500/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$200,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Bell 505 or MD Helicopters 600N?
Pick the 505 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$400/hr vs $500/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2017 vs 1994.
- More inventory — 28 listings vs 6.
Pick the 600N if…
- Budget matters — from $1,250,000 vs $1,423,540, you save ~$173,540.
- More seats — 7 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 125 kts.
- Longer range — 357 nm vs 340 nm.
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 600N?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 505 cruises at 125 kts with 340 nm range.
The 600N cruises at 135 kts with 357 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 600N: from $3,650,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 505 and MD Helicopters 600N?
505 engine: Safran Arrius 2R (504 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 7.
Cruise: 125 vs 135 kts.
Range: 340 vs 357 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
505: about $400/hr variable cost.
600N: about $500/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.
600N: 7 seats / 1,700 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.
600N: 3,000-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data