Aircraft overview

The Bell 206 JetRanger / LongRanger is a light, single engine turbine helicopter family built by Bell Helicopter. The JetRanger entered production in the late 1960s and remained in civil production until 2010, while the stretched 206L LongRanger was produced from the mid 1970s into the 2010s. It is used for private transport, utility work, training, patrol, aerial survey and corporate operations. Its importance in the used market comes from a large installed base, straightforward systems, broad maintenance familiarity and parts support across many regions.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speeds are about 110 to 120 knots, depending on variant, equipment and operating weight. Practical range is commonly around 300 nautical miles for many JetRanger examples, with LongRanger models offering similar or slightly greater capability depending on fuel and payload. Useful load varies significantly by model, equipment and modifications, but the type is generally valued for carrying a meaningful payload in a compact turbine helicopter. Published service ceilings are commonly in the 13,500 foot class for JetRanger variants, with later LongRanger models published higher. Power comes from the Allison, later Rolls-Royce, 250 series turboshaft, including C20 series engines on many JetRangers and C20B or C30P engines on LongRanger variants.

Cabin & avionics

The JetRanger normally seats one pilot and up to four passengers, with two front seats and a three place rear bench. The LongRanger has a stretched fuselage and typically seats one pilot and up to six passengers, giving it a more useful cabin for charter, corporate and family transport. The cabin is simple, with good visibility and relatively easy loading through large side doors. Avionics vary widely by age and operator history. Many aircraft retain analog flight instruments with modern radios, transponders and GPS units added over time. Common upgrades include Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, digital audio panels, ADS-B equipment, traffic and weather displays, engine monitoring and, on some aircraft, glass panel retrofits such as Garmin G500H or Aspen displays.

Buying & value

Buyers should focus on total time, component status, engine remaining life, transmission and rotor system records, corrosion history, damage history and compliance with Bell service bulletins and airworthiness directives. Mission equipment matters: floats, high skid gear, wire strike protection, cargo hooks, auxiliary fuel and upgraded interiors can affect both value and suitability. Key variants include the 206A and 206B JetRanger, the 206B III with improved power, and the 206L series LongRanger, including later L-3 and L-4 models. In current PlaneFox used listings, the Bell 206 JetRanger / LongRanger shows an average asking price of about EUR 529,000, with examples ranging from about EUR 269,000 to EUR 1,510,000, reflecting variant, year, hours, engine status and equipment.