As the saying goes, ‘the sky’s the limit’ – especially when you own a Bell 505 helicopter.

Connectivity is more important than ever in today’s world – and this applies to business and leisure. With the commodity of time equating to large sums of money and the constant demand for immediacy, having the ability to jump in a helicopter to get to that meeting or make the most of a short vacation is paramount.

A Bell 505 doesn’t get caught up in traffic jams or airports at both ends of the journey either – which puts traditional transportation way behind – literally – in the field of on-demand travel.

Safety, functionality, cost effectiveness, and sustainability are all equally important. Enter the Bell 505, the most advanced helicopter in the short light single class. Every detail has been considered in its design, starting with the fully computer-controlled engine, glass cockpit, and advanced avionics that dramatically reduce pilot workload and maximize safety.

This light single helicopter can accommodate its pilot and four passengers, as well as offer a generous amount of storage space, with a full glass cockpit and stadium seating, allowing for all to enjoy a spectacular view.

From an ownership perspective, the Bell 505 checks many boxes. It offers one of the lowest operating costs in its segment and stands out due to its multi-function capabilities. Piloting the aircraft is an enjoyable experience when compared to the classic helicopter flying operation, which is renowned for being extremely complicated. The simple and intuitive platform of the 505 is perfect for new and experienced pilots alike. The complicated three-stage priming process of the traditional aircraft has been eliminated in the 505, so the ground-to-air time and process is quick and easy, while as the only dual-channel engine in its class, the 505 boasts incredible power at altitude and is highly efficient in terms of fuel. With a range of 306 nautical miles and a comfortable cruising speed of 125 knots, the 505 can comfortably achieve a variety of missions.

Everything has been carefully considered in the design so that the aircraft is not only capable, but flexible. The visibility is superb throughout the cockpit and cabin due to large panoramic windows; aided by stadium seating where the back seats are set slightly higher than those at the front.

The flat floor of the interior and removable seats, along with multiple tie-down points and more cabin space than any aircraft in its class, all combine to offer supreme flexibility – so that the 505 can be just as at ease transporting cargo one day, and people the next. There are a variety of upgrades available for the interior too, such as headliners with Passenger Service Units (PSU), USB charging ports and additional storage options. But it’s not just functionality – and this is where the 505 can give a private plane a run for its money – colour co-ordinated interior panels, carpeting and modified pilot and passenger seats can create a luxurious, personalised interior.

Another advantage the 505 has over traditional transportation is reaching a destination without a runway. Whether it’s a weekend mountain retreat or a secluded beach camp, a meeting at an office in a different city, or a quick trip to an offshore rig, the 505 goes straight there.

It’s no wonder then that the Bell 505 is a class-leader that for the fifth consecutive year, has won first place as the preferred customer aircraft in the light single-turbine helicopters category in the Business Jet Traveler’s Annual Readers’ Choice Survey.

Moreover, and very important for helicopter owners: Bell is also known for its exceptional standard of customer service and has been rated number one for consumer support in Vertical magazine multiple times, so customers can be confident in the knowledge that after they purchase an aircraft, the relationship with Bell continues throughout its lifecycle. Since its first delivery in 2017, the 505 can be seen in operation across six continents – there are currently almost 30 aircraft operating in Africa and the Middle East with segments ranging in pilot training to corporate. The Bell 505 is one of Bell’s fastest growing commercial programs to date.