The compact support specialist
Bell 206 LongRanger
A stretched member of the Bell 206 family documented in heli-ski support and compact charter work rather than today’s standard guest-group format.
Bell
206L family
- Typical ski format
- Support or compact charter
- Certified seating
- 1 pilot + 6 passengers
- Published cruise
- 109 kt / 202 km/h
- Main rotor diameter
- 11.28 m
The skier’s view
More often supporting the day than defining it
The LongRanger adds a longer six-passenger cabin to the familiar Bell 206 platform. Its dimensions make it useful for compact charter, guide movements, reconnaissance and snow-safety support where a large group aircraft is unnecessary.
That role needs careful wording. Transport Canada records document Bell 206L aircraft in heli-ski and snow-safety operations, while Alpine Helicopters lists the model in its current fleet. Public evidence does not justify presenting it as a globally common modern guest-lift aircraft.
Six-passenger cabin
More room than a JetRanger while remaining compact.
Support role
Documented in snow safety and heli-ski operational work.
Niche guest lift
Not one of today’s defining global heli-ski formats.
Inside the cabin
A narrow cabin for compact movements
The type is certified for one pilot and six passengers. This representative map shows a guide and four guests, leaving margin for an operator-specific working layout.
- Configuration
- Illustrative compact-charter layout
- Equipment
- Ski equipment requires external carriage; cabin baggage is tightly controlled.
Certified maximum and current fleet data; no universal heli-ski layout
The operator’s view
Why this aircraft works
- A compact airframe with a six-passenger certified cabin.
- Useful range and cruise performance for support movements.
- A widely understood platform with multiple 206L variants.
Where you will find it
Names matter
Variants and aliases
206L / L-1
Early LongRanger versions with different engines and limits.
206L-3
A widely operated later version listed by Alpine Helicopters.
206L-4
The final production LongRanger evolution with updated capacity.
Research notes
Sources & verification
Aircraft specifications describe reference conditions. Operator sources establish current heli-ski use and group format. Last reviewed 2026-08-22.
- authorityBell 206L type certificate data sheet European Union Aviation Safety Agency
- operatorCurrent fleet Alpine Helicopters
- authorityAviation safety report: Bell 206L heli-ski operation Transport Canada
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