What the estimate covers
Every figure above is built from a $432k (€400k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $3,780 (€3,500) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $748k (€693k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
Sikorsky S-76D cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
What you need to be qualified to fly a Sikorsky S-76D
On top of a pilot certificate, this aircraft obliges the person flying it to hold the following. Each one is time and money before the first trip, and insurers usually attach their own minimums on top.
- Rotorcraft-helicopter rating. A helicopter category and class rating on your pilot certificate. Fixed-wing time does not transfer, and most owners reach this type through a full course rather than an add-on.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
Common questions about the Sikorsky S-76D
How much does a Sikorsky S-76D cost?
An indicative 2018 market price for a Sikorsky S-76D is $8.94m (€8.28m) to $10.69m (€9.9m). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
What does a Sikorsky S-76D cost per hour to operate?
Flying 80 hours a year, a Sikorsky S-76D works out at roughly $734k (€680k) annually, which is about $9,180 (€8,500) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $3,780 (€3,500).
How far can a Sikorsky S-76D fly?
Reported range is 441 nm (817 km). PlaneFit does not yet use this figure for mission ranking on this model.
What do you need to be qualified to fly a Sikorsky S-76D?
Beyond a pilot certificate, a Sikorsky S-76D requires rotorcraft-helicopter rating. A helicopter category and class rating on your pilot certificate. Fixed-wing time does not transfer, and most owners reach this type through a full course rather than an add-on. These are US requirements and are stated for orientation; confirm them against the current regulation and an instructor.
What runway does a Sikorsky S-76D need?
Sikorsky S-76D is a helicopter and needs no runway, but landing permissions and component-life maintenance dominate its real-world utility.