Eurocopter AS355 F2Photo: Bill Larkins · CC BY-SA 2.0 · resized · representative variant
Indicative 1990 market price$711k (€659k) to $851k (€788k)
Estimated annual cost at 80 h$215k (€199k)
Five-year cash outlay$1.85m (€1.71m)

A Eurocopter AS355 F2 costs approximately $711k (€659k) to $851k (€788k) to buy at 1990 market values, and about $215k (€199k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $2,689 (€2,490) per flight hour all-in. It seats 5, cruises at 119 kt (137 mph) and has a published range of 305 nm (565 km). Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.

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Manufacturer-verified data

Extended technical specifications

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 weight2,540 kg
Usable fuel736 L
Maximum operating altitude16,000 ft
Engine2 x Rolls-Royce (formerly Allison) 250-C20F turboshafts

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats5
Reported payload proxy595 lb (270 kg)
Reported range305 nm (565 km)
Practical planning radius (4 people)Not used for mission ranking
Cruise speed119 kt (137 mph)
Runway needVertical
Landing gearSkids
PressurisedNo
FuelJet A-1
Fixed annual base$46k (€43k)
Direct cost per flight hour$1,231 (€1,140)

The ownership trade-off

The AS355 F2 combines 5-seat helicopter capability with about 305 NM reported range and about 119 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

Indicative cash costs at 1990 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 useAnnual cash costEffective cost / hFive-year cash outlay
40 h / year$166k (€154k)$4,147 (€3,840)$1.6m (€1.48m)
80 h / year$215k (€199k)$2,689 (€2,490)$1.85m (€1.71m)
120 h / year$264k (€245k)$2,203 (€2,040)$2.1m (€1.94m)
180 h / year$338k (€313k)$1,879 (€1,740)$2.46m (€2.28m)

What the estimate covers

Every figure above is built from a $46k (€43k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $1,231 (€1,140) 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 $158k (€147k) 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.

Eurocopter AS355 F2 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.

Where it fits well

  • 119 kt (137 mph) cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
  • 305 nm (565 km) reported range is retained for profile context, but PlaneFit does not use it for mission ranking yet.
  • 595 lb (270 kg) reported payload proxy and 5 seats define the cabin context pending source-level normalization.

Limitations to price honestly

  • The AS355 F2 combines 5-seat helicopter capability with about 305 NM reported range and about 119 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
  • $46k (€43k) 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.

What you need to be qualified to fly a Eurocopter AS355 F2

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.

  • 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.

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.

Common questions about the Eurocopter AS355 F2

How much does a Eurocopter AS355 F2 cost?

An indicative 1990 market price for a Eurocopter AS355 F2 is $711k (€659k) to $851k (€788k). 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.

What does a Eurocopter AS355 F2 cost per hour to operate?

Flying 80 hours a year, a Eurocopter AS355 F2 works out at roughly $215k (€199k) annually, which is about $2,689 (€2,490) 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 $1,231 (€1,140).

How far can a Eurocopter AS355 F2 fly?

Reported range is 305 nm (565 km). PlaneFit does not yet use this figure for mission ranking on this model.

What do you need to be qualified to fly a Eurocopter AS355 F2?

Beyond a pilot certificate, a Eurocopter AS355 F2 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.

What runway does a Eurocopter AS355 F2 need?

Eurocopter AS355 F2 is a helicopter and needs no runway, but landing permissions and component-life maintenance dominate its real-world utility.

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