Md Helicopters 500 vs Bell 206 JetRanger

The MD 500 and Bell 206 JetRanger are classic single-turbine helicopters — the MD 500 compact, fast and agile, the 206 the smooth, economical training/utility benchmark.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Md Helicopters 500

No active listings right now.

Bell 206 JetRanger
For sale now
78
Median asking
$453,960
Range
$301,200–$695,200
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
25
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1966–2009

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)MD Helicopters 500Bell 206 JetRanger
All events1—
Serious0—
Fatal0—
Fatalities0—
% Fatal0%—
View full MD Helicopters 500 NTSB record →View full Bell 206 JetRanger NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model MD Helicopters 500 Bell 206 JetRanger
Bell 206 JetRanger
View 76 listings →
Median $453,960
Price Range — $301,200 – $695,200
Category — Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower 420 HP —
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 120 kts (222 km/h)
Range 232 nm (430 km) 337 nm (624 km)
Max Gross Weight 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) 3,200 lbs (1,452 kg)
Useful Load 1,550 lbs (703 kg) —
Fuel Burn 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) —
TBO 3,500 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $250,000 —
Annual Fixed $80,000 —
Hourly Variable $450 —
Engines 1 x Turboshaft —

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

MD Helicopters 500

Fuel$192/hr
Variable$450/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $170,000/yr

Bell 206 JetRanger

Which Should You Buy: MD Helicopters 500 or Bell 206 JetRanger?

Bottom line: Choose the MD 500 for speed, agility and a compact footprint (ENG, law enforcement, tight sites); choose the Bell 206 for a smoother ride, lower operating cost and the largest turbine support base. MD 500 = agility/speed; 206 = ride/economy/support.

Pick the 500 if…

  • Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 120 kts.

Pick the 206 JetRanger if…

  • Longer range — 337 nm vs 232 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, MD Helicopters 500 or Bell 206 JetRanger?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 500 cruises at 135 kts with 232 nm range. The 206 JetRanger cruises at 120 kts with 337 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 206 JetRanger: from $450,021. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between MD Helicopters 500 and Bell 206 JetRanger?
500 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 hp). Cruise: 135 vs 120 kts. Range: 232 vs 337 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
500: about $450/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?
500: 5 seats / 1,550 lb useful load. 206 JetRanger: 5 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?
500: 3,500-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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data