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Where it fits well
- 124 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 318 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 213 nm with 4 occupants.
- 360 kg realistic payload proxy and 5 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Key figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 5 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 360 kg |
| Advertised range | 318 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 213 nm |
| Cruise speed | 124 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €31k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €910 |
The ownership trade-off
The AS350 BA combines 5-seat helicopter capability with about 318 NM reported range and about 124 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 €122k per year ( €3060 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €159k per year ( €1985 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €195k per year ( €1627 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €250k per year ( €1388 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €116k 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 BA combines 5-seat helicopter capability with about 318 NM reported range and about 124 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €31k 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.