Where it fits well
- 100 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 209 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 150 nm with 3 occupants.
- 327 kg realistic payload proxy and 3 seats define the usable cabin mission.
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Photo: ZLEA · CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 3 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 327 kg |
| Advertised range | 209 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 140 nm |
| Cruise speed | 100 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | €30k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €400 |
The ownership trade-off
The F-28F combines 3-seat helicopter capability with about 209 NM reported range and about 97 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 €86k per year ( €2150 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €102k per year ( €1275 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €118k per year ( €983 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €142k per year ( €789 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €75k 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 F-28F combines 3-seat helicopter capability with about 209 NM reported range and about 97 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €30k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Component life and mission-specific landing permissions dominate real-world utility.
Recommended missions
- Solo or two-person flying where low complexity matters more than cabin capacity.
- 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.