Sikorsky S-76A

15-occupant turbine helicopter · Private helicopters · in production 1977–1982 · See its reach on the 3D globe

Photo: JO2 Pete Hatzakos · Public domain · representative variant

Indicative 1980 market price€482k – €576k

Estimated annual cost at 80 h€284k

Five-year cash outlay€1.95m

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats	15
Realistic payload with mission fuel	1170 kg
Advertised range	371 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)	249 nm
Cruise speed	145 kt
Runway need	Vertical
Pressurised	No
Fuel	Jet A-1
Fixed annual base	€31k
Direct cost per flight hour	€2040

The ownership trade-off

The S-76A combines 15-seat helicopter capability with about 371 NM reported range and about 145 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 €203k per year ( €5065 per flight hour all-in)
80 hours/year: about €284k per year ( €3553 per flight hour all-in)
120 hours/year: about €366k per year ( €3048 per flight hour all-in)
180 hours/year: about €488k per year ( €2712 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €207k 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.

Where it fits well

145 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
371 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 249 nm with 4 occupants.
1170 kg realistic payload proxy and 15 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

The S-76A combines 15-seat helicopter capability with about 371 NM reported range and about 145 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
€31k 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.