Bell 407GXi

Single-engine, five-seat-class utility helicopter with modern avionics and strong hot-and-high capability.

The Bell 407GXi is an evolution of the 407 line aimed at operators who want a familiar, proven airframe paired with updated cockpit integration and improved powerplant performance margins. It is commonly selected for utility, corporate, public safety, and training missions where speed, payload flexibility, and straightforward single-engine operations matter more than all-weather, multi-engine redundancy.

Currently for sale

337Range (nm)

133Speed (ktas)

6Passengers

Mission Alignment

Typical missions center on short-to-medium sectors with frequent stops, operating from helipads, confined areas, or unimproved sites. The platform’s power and rotor system support productive performance in high density altitude environments, but payload-range tradeoffs remain central: additional fuel can quickly reduce available cabin load, particularly with mission equipment installed.

Best For

Point-to-point regional trips with 1–5 passengers plus bags depending on fuel and conditions

Utility and aerial work where external load/mission kits are used (equipment dependent)

Public safety/EMS support roles where rapid dispatch and modern situational awareness are valued (configuration dependent)

Not Ideal For

Operations requiring twin-engine redundancy, Category A performance planning, or specific regulatory mandates for multi-engine aircraft

Long-range missions where fuel reserves and payload are both priorities, especially in hot/high conditions

Cabin Experience

Cabin layout is oriented around a single-pilot cockpit with club-style rear seating and good visibility. Noise and vibration levels are consistent with the light single-engine class; passenger comfort is generally strong for shorter legs and sightseeing, while longer legs depend on seating configuration, headset use, and installed options. Access and loading benefit from the wide doors and a cabin that can be configured for passenger, utility, or specialized missions.

Configuration Notes

Common configurations include two front seats and three rear seats; some missions trade seats for equipment or medical interior.

Baggage/cargo capacity is highly configuration-dependent; buyers should confirm usable stowage with the installed interior and mission kit.

External provisions (e.g., cargo hook, camera mounts, hoist provisions) vary by aircraft and drive both capability and useful load.

25.4Width (ft)

3.9Height (ft)

41.4Length (ft)

Technology & Systems

The 407GXi emphasizes improved pilot workload management through an integrated glass cockpit suite and refined engine control integration, supporting smoother procedures in busy airspace and during mission work. The avionics philosophy prioritizes clear primary flight displays, engine and systems monitoring, and options that can be tailored for IFR or VFR utility operations depending on certification and equipment.

Buyer Checks

Confirm the installed avionics suite and options (e.g., synthetic vision, HTAWS, traffic, ADS-B, weather capability) and ensure they match intended airspace and mission profile.

Verify whether the aircraft is equipped and approved for IFR operations as delivered (equipment, certification basis, and operator approvals vary).

Review mission equipment integration (searchlight, camera, hook, floatation, wire strike kit) for power/weight impact and any recurring inspection requirements.

Specifications

Cockpit2

DOC / nm$ 4.43

Min Crew1

Total Seats6

Flight RulesVFR

ManufacturerBell

Aircraft Name407GXi

CertificationFAA / EASA

Max Range (nm)337

DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74

Max Cabin Seats5

OEM VerificationVERIFIED

Useful Load (lbs)2300

Standard Cabin Seats5

Direct Operating Cost$ 589

Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000H NXI

Max Cruise Speed (ktas)133

Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,225,000

Range

337 nm from New York

Bell 407GXi — 337 nm range

Operating Profile

Operationally, the 407GXi suits high-cycle utilization with quick turn capability and straightforward ground handling. Real-world cruise speed, range, and endurance depend heavily on temperature/altitude, hover and loiter time, mission equipment, and reserve policy. Buyers typically evaluate it on dispatch reliability, performance margins for the hottest/heaviest days, and how well the installed configuration supports their specific mission set.

Key Triggers

Higher annual utilization and multi-role tasking can justify the platform when missions demand frequent short sectors and rapid repositioning.

Operations in hot/high environments or with regular external-load work may prioritize this model’s performance margins, but budget should account for mission-kit weight and maintenance impacts.

Maintenance & Ownership

Maintenance planning is generally aligned with modern light single-engine turbine helicopter practices, with condition and compliance driven by calendar/flight-hour limits, component life limits, and any supplemental mission equipment. Program participation and documented component status materially affect downtime planning. As with most rotorcraft, attention to dynamic components, corrosion control, and avionics/software support is central to maintaining consistent dispatch.

Watch-outs

Track life-limited components and the status of major assemblies (engine, transmission, rotor system); confirm remaining life and upcoming intervals.

Inspect for corrosion or environmental exposure effects, especially for coastal, firefighting, or utility-operated aircraft.

If equipped for specialized missions, validate the maintenance burden and inspection schedules for installed kits (hook, floatation, hoist, camera systems).

Strengths & Trade-offs

Strengths

Strong hot-and-high performance for the light single-engine class, supporting utility and high-altitude operations

Modern integrated avionics that can reduce workload and improve situational awareness

Flexible configuration ecosystem for passenger transport and mission-specific roles

Trade-offs

Single-engine profile may not meet regulatory or organizational requirements for redundancy in some missions

Payload-range tradeoff can be limiting with full fuel, high density altitude, or heavy mission equipment

Rotorcraft maintenance and component tracking can drive downtime if records or component status are incomplete

Ideal Buyer Profile

Best Suited For

Operators needing a versatile light turbine helicopter for mixed passenger and utility missions

Organizations prioritizing modern avionics and high utilization with straightforward operations

Missions in mountainous or high-temperature regions where performance margins are a key selection driver

Less Aligned For

Operators with mandated twin-engine requirements or frequent over-water/IMC-risk missions without appropriate approvals

Buyers whose typical missions are long-range with heavier cabin payload demands