Where it fits well
- 129 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 216 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 145 nm with 4 occupants.
- 810 kg realistic payload proxy and 10 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Key figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 10 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 810 kg |
| Advertised range | 216 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 145 nm |
| Cruise speed | 129 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €79k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1550 |
The ownership trade-off
The BK117 B-2 combines 10-seat helicopter capability with about 216 NM reported range and about 129 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 €206k per year ( €5150 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €268k per year ( €3350 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €330k per year ( €2750 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €423k per year ( €2350 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €216k 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 BK117 B-2 combines 10-seat helicopter capability with about 216 NM reported range and about 129 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €79k 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.