Where it fits well
- 109 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 210 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 141 nm with 4 occupants.
- 360 kg realistic payload proxy and 6 seats define the usable cabin mission.
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Photo: Chris Lofting · CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 6 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 360 kg |
| Advertised range | 210 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 141 nm |
| Cruise speed | 109 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €30k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1470 |
The ownership trade-off
The SA 319B Alouette III combines 5-seat helicopter capability with about 210 NM reported range and about 109 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 €189k per year ( €4720 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €248k per year ( €3095 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €306k per year ( €2553 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €395k per year ( €2192 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €160k 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 SA 319B Alouette III combines 5-seat helicopter capability with about 210 NM reported range and about 109 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €30k 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.