Bell 407 vs Eurocopter H125
The Eurocopter H125 (AS350 B3) and Bell 407 are the two dominant single-turbine light helicopters in the commercial market — both five-to-six-seat machines built for the demanding work of EMS, tours, utility, and law enforcement. The H125 uses a Safran Arriel 2D engine and has built its reputation particularly in mountain and high-altitude rescue operations where hot-and-high performance is the survival specification. The Bell 407, introduced in 1996 with a Rolls-Royce Model 250-C47B, built its reputation in North American EMS, offshore utility, and government operations where the Bell brand's service network and the aircraft's forgiving handling are valued. The cross-shop is operator loyalty meeting specifications.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 40
- Median asking
- $2,900,000
- Range
- $2,099,600–$4,205,348
- Model years available
- 1997–2021
- For sale now
- 52
- Median asking
- $1,350,000
- Range
- $803,525–$3,345,647
- Model years available
- 1978–2026
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 407 | Eurocopter H125 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 148 | — |
| Serious | 15 | — |
| Fatal | 44 | — |
| Fatalities | 112 | — |
| % Fatal | 30% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Bell 407 | Eurocopter H125 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,099,600 – $4,205,348 | $803,525 – $3,345,647 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 952 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 133 kts (246 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 330 nm (611 km) | 339 nm (628 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 23,000 ft (7,010 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) | 5,511 lbs (2,500 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,347 lbs (1,065 kg) | 2,536 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 131.0 gal (496 L) | 143.0 gal (541 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) | 42.0 GPH (159 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $550 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboshaft | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 407
Eurocopter H125
Which Should You Buy: Bell 407 or Eurocopter H125?
Bottom line: Choose the H125 for the most demanding high-altitude and hot-and-high operations — the Arriel 2D's performance at density altitude is the H125's signature capability, and mountain rescue operators from the Alps to the Rockies have standardized on it for exactly this reason. Choose the Bell 407 for the most comprehensive North American service network, the Bell platform's strong EMS legacy, and the Rolls-Royce 250's extensive support infrastructure. Bell's service network particularly benefits operators who use multiple Bell types across their fleet — 206, 412, and 407 operators share considerable maintenance knowledge. Safety axis: the H125's power margin at high density altitude is a direct operational safety advantage in mountain, high-elevation, and hot-summer operations — an H125 facing an off-airport emergency landing in rugged terrain has better engine response to maintain rotor control than a Bell 407 in the same conditions. At sea level, the Bell 407's handling and performance are equivalent to or better than the H125.
Pick the 407 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 6.
- Newer design — production from 1996 vs 1975.
Pick the H125 if…
- Budget matters — from $803,525 vs $2,099,600, you save ~$1,296,075.
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 133 kts.
- Longer range — 339 nm vs 330 nm.
- More inventory — 48 listings vs 42.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.