Where it fits well
- 131 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 200 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 134 nm with 4 occupants.
- 630 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 | 630 kg |
| Advertised range | 200 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 134 nm |
| Cruise speed | 131 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €183k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1220 |
The ownership trade-off
The MD 902 Explorer combines 8-seat helicopter capability with about 200 NM reported range and about 128 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 €252k per year ( €6295 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €301k per year ( €3758 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €349k per year ( €2912 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €423k per year ( €2348 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €293k 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 MD 902 Explorer combines 8-seat helicopter capability with about 200 NM reported range and about 128 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €183k 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.