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Where it fits well
- 135 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 255 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 171 nm with 4 occupants.
- 450 kg realistic payload proxy and 6 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Key figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 6 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 450 kg |
| Advertised range | 255 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 171 nm |
| Cruise speed | 135 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €94k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1190 |
The ownership trade-off
The EC135 T1 combines 6-seat helicopter capability with about 255 NM reported range and about 135 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 €184k per year ( €4603 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €232k per year ( €2896 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €279k per year ( €2328 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €351k per year ( €1948 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €202k 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 EC135 T1 combines 6-seat helicopter capability with about 255 NM reported range and about 135 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €94k 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.