Bell 505 Jet Ranger X for Sale — Modern Performance Meets Classic Heritage
The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is Bell Helicopter's answer to a simple question: what would the legendary JetRanger look like if it were designed today? Certified in 2016 after an extensive development program, the 505 takes the name and spirit of the most successful light turbine helicopter family in history and rebuilds it from the ground up with 21st-century materials, systems, and performance. The result is a helicopter that outperforms its predecessors in every measurable dimension while delivering significantly lower operating costs than comparable alternatives — a combination that has made the Bell 505 one of the fastest-selling new light turbine helicopters in years.
What Makes the Bell 505 Different
Rather than simply updating the Bell 206 with a new engine or avionics suite, Bell designed the 505 as a genuinely new aircraft. The airframe uses advanced composite materials extensively, reducing weight while increasing structural rigidity. The Arriel 2S1 turboshaft engine from Safran Helicopter Engines delivers 504 shaft horsepower with FADEC control — significantly more power than the older 206L-4 LongRanger while burning fuel more efficiently. The Garmin G1000H NXi integrated avionics suite provides a level of situational awareness and automation previously unavailable in this price category.
Specifications at a Glance
- Engine — Safran Arriel 2S1, 504 shp, FADEC
- Seats — 1 pilot + 4 passengers (5 total)
- Max cruise speed — 125 knots (232 km/h)
- Range — 357 nautical miles standard fuel
- Max operating altitude — 18,045 feet
- MTOW — 3,200 lb (1,451 kg)
- Avionics — Garmin G1000H NXi dual screens standard
Training — The Bell 505's Natural Home
The Bell 505 has been widely adopted by professional flight academies as their primary turbine trainer, and for good reason. The combination of Garmin G1000H glass cockpit, FADEC engine management, and responsive but forgiving handling characteristics makes it an exceptional instrument for teaching the skills pilots need for turbine helicopter careers. The low operating costs relative to older turbine types allow schools to offer more hours for the same budget, accelerating student progression. The 505's single-engine configuration also means students gain genuine single-engine turbine time without the complexity overhead of twin-engine training aircraft.
Personal and Corporate Use
Beyond training, the Bell 505 serves private owners, touring operators, and small corporate flight departments with exceptional versatility. The four-passenger cabin is genuinely comfortable for short and medium range trips, the Garmin G1000H enables IFR flight planning and execution, and the low fuel burn of the Arriel 2S1 keeps direct operating costs at levels that make regular use economically practical. Air tour operators have adopted the 505 for its combination of passenger capacity, large windows for aerial sightseeing, and quiet, smooth flight characteristics.
Parts, Support, and Resale
As a current production Bell helicopter, the 505 benefits from full factory parts support, an active worldwide dealer network, and enrollment availability on the Safran HEngines Service Plus (HELION) engine program — which provides predictable engine maintenance costs and strong resale value protection. Pre-owned Bell 505 examples in excellent condition with low hours and current avionics command strong prices that reflect robust demand from a global market of flight schools, private buyers, and operator organizations.
Browse Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Listings on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade lists new and pre-owned Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters from verified sellers worldwide. Low-time training aircraft, personal use examples, and tour-configured 505s are available across a range of model years and equipment specifications. Find the Bell 505 that fits your mission and budget on Airplane Trade — and list your aircraft today to reach the growing global community of buyers who recognize the 505 as the defining light turbine helicopter of its generation.