Where it fits well
- 119 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 305 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 204 nm with 4 occupants.
- 270 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 | 270 kg |
| Advertised range | 305 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 204 nm |
| Cruise speed | 119 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €43k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1140 |
The ownership trade-off
The AS355 F2 combines 4-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
- 40 hours/year: about €154k per year ( €3840 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €199k per year ( €2490 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €245k per year ( €2040 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €313k per year ( €1740 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €147k 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 AS355 F2 combines 4-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.
- €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.