Sikorsky S-76C

15-occupant turbine helicopter · Private helicopters · in production 1990–1996 · See its reach on the 3D globe

Indicative 1993 market price€402k – €481k

Estimated annual cost at 80 h€258k

Five-year cash outlay€1.73m

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	327 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)	219 nm
Cruise speed	147 kt
Runway need	Vertical
Pressurised	No
Fuel	Jet A-1
Fixed annual base	€30k
Direct cost per flight hour	€2130

The ownership trade-off

The S-76C combines 15-seat helicopter capability with about 327 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 €173k per year ( €4318 per flight hour all-in)
80 hours/year: about €258k per year ( €3224 per flight hour all-in)
120 hours/year: about €343k per year ( €2859 per flight hour all-in)
180 hours/year: about €471k per year ( €2616 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €213k 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.
327 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 219 nm with 4 occupants.
1170 kg realistic payload proxy and 15 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

The S-76C combines 15-seat helicopter capability with about 327 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.
€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.