Where it fits well
- 144 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 351 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 235 nm with 4 occupants.
- 450 kg realistic payload proxy and 6 seats define the usable cabin mission.
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Photo: Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0 · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 6 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 450 kg |
| Advertised range | 351 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 235 nm |
| Cruise speed | 144 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €210k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1360 |
The ownership trade-off
The A109 Grand combines 6-seat helicopter capability with about 351 NM reported range and about 144 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Cost picture at different usage
- 40 hours/year: about €284k per year ( €7110 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €339k per year ( €4235 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €393k per year ( €3277 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €475k per year ( €2638 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €331k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.
Limitations to price honestly
- The A109 Grand combines 6-seat helicopter capability with about 351 NM reported range and about 144 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €210k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Component life and mission-specific landing permissions dominate real-world utility.
Recommended missions
- Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
- Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
- Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.