Where it fits well
- 109 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 161 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 108 nm with 4 occupants.
- 270 kg realistic payload proxy and 5 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Photo: Waerfelu · CC BY 3.0 · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 5 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 270 kg |
| Advertised range | 161 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 108 nm |
| Cruise speed | 109 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €73k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €590 |
The ownership trade-off
The 480B combines 4-seat helicopter capability with about 161 NM reported range and about 107 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 €144k per year ( €3603 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €168k per year ( €2096 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €191k per year ( €1594 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €227k per year ( €1259 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €133k 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 480B combines 4-seat helicopter capability with about 161 NM reported range and about 107 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €73k 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.