What is the annual operating cost of a Bell 206L?

For 100 hours/year, expect $90,000–$110,000 in total operating costs. Commercial helicopters offer utility, reliability, and versatility; costs reflect premium helicopter economics.

How much fuel does Bell 206L burn?

Rolls-Royce 250 turboshaft burns 40–50 gal/hr cruise. Jet-A at $5.50/gal ranges $220–$275/hour.

What is Bell 206L engine TBO?

Rolls-Royce 250: 3,600 hours TBO; $40,000–$50,000 overhaul. Engine reserve $11–$14/hour.

How much does Bell 206L insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $6,000–$9,000 for $800,000–$1,000,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours.

Can you finance a Bell 206L?

Yes. A $600,000 206L at 6.5% APR over 10 years costs ~$8,800/month ($105,600/year).

What is Bell 206L payload capability?

Maximum gross weight 4,450 lbs. Useful load 1,350 lbs. Excellent power-to-weight for external loads.

How does 206L compare to Robinson R66?

206L twin turbine; R66 single turbine. 206L costs 25–35% more but offers superior payload and multi-engine safety.

What is Bell 206L TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$195,000–$216,000 annually (operating + debt). By year 11 (loan paid): ~$90,000–$110,000/year.

What maintenance does 206L require?

Annual inspections $4,000–$6,000, rotorhead service $2,000–$3,000/year. Budget $60–$80/hour maintenance.

Is Bell 206L good for commercial operations?

Yes. Industry workhorse for tour, corporate transport, emergency services. Reliability and versatility justify premium costs.

The True Operating Cost of Bell 206L LongRanger

The Bell 206L LongRanger is the industry-standard commercial helicopter offering seven-seat capacity, twin-turbine power, and exceptional payload capability. Plan for $90,000–$110,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $900–$1,100 per hour. The 206L defines the commercial helicopter market with legendary reliability, parts availability, and versatility for tour, corporate, and emergency missions.

Quick Specs: Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV

Specification	206L-4 (Latest)
Engine	1 × Rolls-Royce 250-C30P (650 shp turboshaft)
Fuel Burn	40–50 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed	120–140 mph
Service Ceiling	20,500 ft
Useful Load	1,350–1,450 lbs
Seats	7
Range	250–350 nm

TL;DR: Bell 206L Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $40,000–$50,000/year (insurance $6,000–$9,000, hangar $8,000–$10,000, annuals $4,000–$6,000, rotorhead service)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $50,000–$60,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oil, engine reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $90,000–$110,000/year (~$900–$1,100/hour)
Finance a $600,000 206L: Add $8,800/month ($105,600/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
At 50 hours: ~$75,000–$90,000/year (~$1,500–$1,800/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$140,000–$170,000/year (~$700–$850/hour)

Commercial Helicopter Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $6,000–$9,000/year for $800,000–$1,000,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
Hangar: $8,000–$10,000/year (helicopter-sized storage)
Annual inspection: $4,000–$6,000 labor (rotorcraft complexity)
Rotorhead service: $2,000–$3,000/year (critical maintenance)

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A fuel: 45 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$247/hour
Oil and hydraulic fluid: $6–$10/hour
Engine reserve: $11–$14/hour ($45K ÷ 3,600 TBO)
Helicopter maintenance: $60–$80/hour (rotorhead, transmission, systems)
Landing fees: $20–$50/landing

Jet-A Fuel & Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours	Gallons Jet-A	Cost @ $5.50/gal	$/Hour
50	2,250	$12,375	$247
100	4,500	$24,750	$247
150	6,750	$37,125	$247
200	9,000	$49,500	$247

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Rolls-Royce 250 Engine

250-C30P: 3,600 hours TBO (industry standard)
Overhaul cost: $45,000–$55,000
Engine reserve: $12–$15/hour ($50K ÷ 3,600)
Reliability: Proven workhorse with excellent support

Helicopter-Specific Maintenance

Rotorhead inspection: $2,000–$3,500/year
Transmission service: $1,500–$2,500/year
Hydraulic system flush: $800–$1,500/year
Tail rotor maintenance: $600–$1,000/year
Budget: $65–$85/hour for all maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Commercial Helicopter Insurance

$800,000 hull, 500+ hours, tour/charter: $6,500–$8,000/year
$1,000,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $8,500–$10,500/year
Passenger-for-hire: +50–75% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Helicopter Hangar	$650–$850	$7,800–$10,200
Open Tie-Down (Not recommended)	$200–$400	$2,400–$4,800

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$45,000	$30,000	$75,000	$1,500
100	$45,000	$60,000	$105,000	$1,050
200	$45,000	$120,000	$165,000	$825

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $600,000 Bell 206L, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $105,600/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$105,000	$105,600	$210,600	$2,106
200	$165,000	$105,600	$270,600	$1,353

Financing the Bell 206L

Purchase price: $500,000–$800,000 (depends on year, avionics, hours)
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $450,000–$680,000
Term: 10–15 years
APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $6,500–$10,500

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial rotorcraft rated, $300,000+ annual income, business plan, hull insurance $800K+. Lenders like JakenAviation specialize in helicopter financing for tour and commercial operators.

Bell 206L vs. Competitors

vs. Robinson R66: 206L twin-turbine; R66 single-piston. 206L costs 25–35% more but offers superior payload and reliability
vs. Airbus AS350: AS350 turbine-powered; 206L comparable performance but lower cost
vs. Sikorsky S-76: S-76 twin-engine turbine; 206L much cheaper alternative

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Sources: Bell Helicopter Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS