3-occupant piston helicopter · Private helicopters · production 1975–1980 · See its reach on the 3D globe
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An Enstrom 280C costs approximately $117k (€109k) to $140k (€130k) to buy at 1978 market values, and about $169k (€156k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $2,109 (€1,953) per flight hour all-in. It seats 3, cruises at 95 kt (109 mph) and has a published range of 209 nm (387 km). Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.
| Maximum takeoff weight | 998 kg |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 x Lycoming HIO-360-E1AD or HIO-360-E1BD with Rajay turbocharger, 205 hp |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 3 |
| Reported payload proxy | 397 lb (180 kg) |
| Reported range | 209 nm (387 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | Not used for mission ranking |
| Cruise speed | 95 kt (109 mph) |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Landing gear | Skids |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | $32k (€30k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $421 (€390) |
The 280C combines 3-seat helicopter capability with about 209 NM reported range and about 95 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Indicative cash costs at 1978 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.
| Annual use | Annual cash cost | Effective cost / h | Five-year cash outlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 h / year | $152k (€141k) | $3,796 (€3,515) | $887k (€821k) |
| 80 h / year | $169k (€156k) | $2,109 (€1,953) | $971k (€899k) |
| 120 h / year | $186k (€172k) | $1,546 (€1,432) | $1.06m (€977k) |
| 180 h / year | $211k (€195k) | $1,171 (€1,084) | $1.18m (€1.09m) |
Every figure above is built from a $32k (€30k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $421 (€390) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $80k (€74k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
Enstrom 280C cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
On top of a pilot certificate, this aircraft obliges the person flying it to hold the following. Each one is time and money before the first trip, and insurers usually attach their own minimums on top.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
An indicative 1978 market price for an Enstrom 280C is $117k (€109k) to $140k (€130k). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
Flying 80 hours a year, an Enstrom 280C works out at roughly $169k (€156k) annually, which is about $2,109 (€1,953) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $421 (€390).
Reported range is 209 nm (387 km). PlaneFit does not yet use this figure for mission ranking on this model.
Beyond a pilot certificate, an Enstrom 280C requires rotorcraft-helicopter rating. A helicopter category and class rating on your pilot certificate. Fixed-wing time does not transfer, and most owners reach this type through a full course rather than an add-on. These are US requirements and are stated for orientation; confirm them against the current regulation and an instructor.
Enstrom 280C is a helicopter and needs no runway, but landing permissions and component-life maintenance dominate its real-world utility.