Where it fits well
- 127 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 293 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 196 nm with 4 occupants.
- 360 kg realistic payload proxy and 5 seats define the usable cabin mission.
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Photo: Bill Larkins · CC BY-SA 2.0 · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 5 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 360 kg |
| Advertised range | 293 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 196 nm |
| Cruise speed | 127 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €100k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €910 |
The ownership trade-off
The AS350 B3 combines 5-seat helicopter capability with about 293 NM reported range and about 127 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 €166k per year ( €4160 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €203k per year ( €2535 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €239k per year ( €1993 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €294k per year ( €1632 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €185k 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 AS350 B3 combines 5-seat helicopter capability with about 293 NM reported range and about 127 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €100k 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.