Where it fits well
- 128 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 304 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 204 nm with 4 occupants.
- 540 kg realistic payload proxy and 14 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Photo: Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald. USMC · Public domainKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 14 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 540 kg |
| Advertised range | 304 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 204 nm |
| Cruise speed | 128 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €110k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1800 |
The ownership trade-off
The 412SP combines 7-seat helicopter capability with about 304 NM reported range and about 128 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 €252k per year ( €6300 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €324k per year ( €4050 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €396k per year ( €3300 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €504k per year ( €2800 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €267k 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 412SP combines 7-seat helicopter capability with about 304 NM reported range and about 128 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €110k 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.