Sikorsky S-76B

14-occupant turbine helicopter · Private helicopters · in production 1987–1997 · See its reach on the 3D globe

Photo: JO2 Pete Hatzakos · Public domain

Indicative 1992 market price€1.21m – €1.44m

Estimated annual cost at 80 h€319k

Five-year cash outlay€2.9m

Key figures

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

Seats	14
Realistic payload with mission fuel	1170 kg
Advertised range	254 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)	170 nm
Cruise speed	148 kt
Runway need	Vertical
Pressurised	No
Fuel	Jet A-1
Fixed annual base	€79k
Direct cost per flight hour	€2250

The ownership trade-off

The S-76B combines 14-seat helicopter capability with about 254 NM reported range and about 148 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 €229k per year ( €5725 per flight hour all-in)
80 hours/year: about €319k per year ( €3988 per flight hour all-in)
120 hours/year: about €409k per year ( €3408 per flight hour all-in)
180 hours/year: about €544k per year ( €3022 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €272k 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

148 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
254 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 170 nm with 4 occupants.
1170 kg realistic payload proxy and 14 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

The S-76B combines 14-seat helicopter capability with about 254 NM reported range and about 148 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
€79k 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.