Sikorsky S-76A++

15-occupant turbine helicopter · Private helicopters · in production 1986–1990 · See its reach on the 3D globe

Photo: JO2 Pete Hatzakos · Public domain · representative variant

Indicative 1988 market price€643k – €769k

Estimated annual cost at 80 h€282k

Five-year cash outlay€2.11m

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	357 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)	239 nm
Cruise speed	147 kt
Runway need	Vertical
Pressurised	No
Fuel	Jet A-1
Fixed annual base	€42k
Direct cost per flight hour	€2130

The ownership trade-off

The S-76A++ combines 15-seat helicopter capability with about 357 NM reported range and about 147 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 €197k per year ( €4930 per flight hour all-in)
80 hours/year: about €282k per year ( €3530 per flight hour all-in)
120 hours/year: about €368k per year ( €3063 per flight hour all-in)
180 hours/year: about €495k per year ( €2752 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €225k 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

147 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
357 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 239 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 357 NM reported range and about 147 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
€42k 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.