BELL 204 SERIES

Bell 204 Series Helicopters for Sale — The Huey That Started It All

Long before the Bell 204 became a civilian aircraft, it changed the world as the UH-1 Iroquois — the helicopter that defined an era of military aviation and became the most produced military helicopter in history. The Bell 204 is the original single-engine Huey, powered by a single Lycoming T53 turboshaft engine producing approximately 1,100 shaft horsepower, and it carries with it a legacy of operational service across dozens of countries and every conceivable mission type. In civilian hands, the Bell 204 has served as a firefighting tanker, utility lifter, logging helicopter, and agricultural platform — aircraft that work hard every day in environments where reliability is measured in lives saved and fires stopped.

From Combat to Civilian Service

The transition of Bell 204s from military to civilian operation created a unique category of working helicopters available at prices that reflect their age but not their capability. These aircraft are mechanically robust — designed to military specifications for sustained operations in austere conditions — and many examples have accumulated overhaul histories that span decades of careful maintenance by operators who depended on them absolutely. The Bell 204B is the principal civil version, certificated by the FAA and equipped with the Lycoming T5313B or T5317A engine producing 1,100 to 1,400 shaft horsepower depending on variant.

Typical Civil Operations

• Aerial firefighting — The 204's large cabin, high power, and belly hook capacity make it a proven firefighting platform used by forest services worldwide with fixed or retractable tanks.
• Logging and heavy lift — External load capability and robust construction suit the 204 to demanding logging and construction lift operations.
• Agricultural spraying — Large chemical payload capacity and proven turbine reliability attract agricultural operators who need a serious working helicopter.
• Utility and government — Various government agencies continue to operate Bell 204s for law enforcement, border patrol, and general utility missions.

Find Your Bell 204 on Airplane Trade

Airplane Trade lists Bell 204 and 204B helicopters from verified sellers worldwide. These are serious working aircraft with proven operational histories — find yours today and connect directly with sellers who can provide complete maintenance documentation and component status records.