The single-engine big cabin
Bell 205
The single-engine ancestor of the Bell 212 remains a working heli-ski machine where operators value a large, simple utility cabin.
Bell
204 / 205 “Huey” family
- Typical ski format
- Up to 10 guests + 2 guides
- Certified seating
- Up to 14 passengers, configuration dependent
- Published cruise
- About 100 kt / 185 km/h
- Main rotor diameter
- 14.63 m
The skier’s view
Huey scale without the second engine
The Bell 205 brings the broad sliding doors and large utility cabin associated with the Huey family, but it is a single-engine aircraft. That distinction matters: it should not be casually labelled a Bell 212, even though their silhouettes and heli-ski workflows can look similar.
Crescent Spur publishes a working format of up to ten guests and two guides. High Terrain Helicopters also names the Bell 205 in its heli-ski fleet, showing that this legacy platform remains active rather than merely historical.
Big cabin
Broad doors and a large working space for group rotations.
Single engine
The clearest operational distinction from the Bell 212.
Legacy workhorse
An older type still used by specialist operators.
Inside the cabin
A large working cabin with operator-specific seating
Crescent Spur publishes up to ten guests and two guides in its Bell 205. This diagram visualizes that stated group format; it is not a universal Bell 205 seating plan.
- Configuration
- Published ten-guest heli-ski format
- Equipment
- Long equipment is normally carried externally; cabin load and baggage remain weight-sensitive.
Crescent Spur safety and aircraft description
The operator’s view
Why this aircraft works
- A large utility cabin with wide sliding-door access.
- A proven mountain-work lineage with established support expertise.
- Group capacity between compact light singles and many private formats.
Where you will find it
Names matter
Variants and aliases
Bell 205A / A-1
The civil single-engine variants most commonly encountered.
Bell 205B
A later development produced in limited numbers.
Huey II
A modernization program, not a blanket name for every Bell 205.
Research notes
Sources & verification
Aircraft specifications describe reference conditions. Operator sources establish current heli-ski use and group format. Last reviewed 2026-08-22.
- manufacturerBell 205 literature directory Bell
- authorityAircraft identification reference State Government of Victoria
- operatorSafety and aircraft Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing
- operatorHeli-ski service High Terrain Helicopters
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