Where it fits well
- 118 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 312 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 209 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 | 312 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 209 nm |
| Cruise speed | 118 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €89k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1240 |
The ownership trade-off
The AS355 N combines 4-seat helicopter capability with about 312 NM reported range and about 118 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 €181k per year ( €4528 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €231k per year ( €2884 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €280k per year ( €2336 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €355k per year ( €1971 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €201k 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 N combines 4-seat helicopter capability with about 312 NM reported range and about 118 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €89k 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.