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Where it fits well
- 145 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 142 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 95 nm with 4 occupants.
- 450 kg realistic payload proxy and 6 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Key figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 6 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 450 kg |
| Advertised range | 142 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 95 nm |
| Cruise speed | 145 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €34k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1430 |
The ownership trade-off
The A109C combines 6-seat helicopter capability with about 142 NM reported range and about 145 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 €151k per year ( €3780 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €208k per year ( €2605 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €266k per year ( €2213 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €351k per year ( €1952 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €161k 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 A109C combines 6-seat helicopter capability with about 142 NM reported range and about 145 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €34k 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.