Where it fits well
- 150 kt cruise supports credible cross-country touring.
- 345 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 231 nm with 4 occupants.
- 540 kg realistic payload proxy and 8 seats define the usable cabin mission.
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Photo: Rafael Luiz Canossa · CC BY-SA 2.0 · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 8 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 540 kg |
| Advertised range | 345 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 231 nm |
| Cruise speed | 150 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €241k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1820 |
The ownership trade-off
The AS365 N3 combines 8-seat helicopter capability with about 345 NM reported range and about 150 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 €344k per year ( €8595 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €417k per year ( €5208 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €489k per year ( €4078 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €599k per year ( €3326 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €399k 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 AS365 N3 combines 8-seat helicopter capability with about 345 NM reported range and about 150 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €241k 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.