How Much Does a Helicopter Cost?
Have you ever wondered, ‘How much does a helicopter cost?'
Me too. In fact, I’m sure lots of people have wondered about the cost of a helicopter. So I decided to do some research and write this article to give people a realistic ballpark figure on how much a helicopter actually does cost to buy. No more vague hand-waving gestures from friends or family members as they yell things ranging from thousands to millions. I’m going to start with the cost of a basic low-end helicopter and then work up to the more advanced and expensive helicopters. I will focus on the cost of a brand new helicopter and may give a rough estimate of the cost of used models, but that will obviously vary depending on size, price, and year.
Generally, the first thing to decide if you are looking at the cost of a helicopter is whether you are after a 2-seater or a larger multi-passenger model.
One of the most popular brands in the world when it comes to helicopters is the Robinson. Although Bell Helicopter at one time made more helicopters then any other company in the world (although this was primarily on the strength of the B206 JetRanger), Robinson helicopters are renown for costing less to buy and run—and being generally more economical whilst not detracting from quality.
Helicopter Prices by Model
Model
| Price
|
|---|---|
Robinson R-22
| $250,000
|
Robinson R-44 Raven I
| $340,000
|
Robinson R-44 Raven II
| $415,000
|
Bell B206 JetRanger
| $700,000
|
Eurocopter EC120 Colibri Hummingbird
| $1,700,000
|
Robinson R-22
Considered one of the world’s most economical helicopters, the R-22 carries a base list price of about $250,000 brand new. But there are many excellent deals to be found for good quality used R-22s, often starting from around $100,000 - $150,000. Due to the R-22’s cheap operating costs, it is often used as a training helicopter. The R-22 is a two-seater, making it light and giving it a very low inertia, allowing it to be extremely responsive to flight control inputs. In short, it is fun to fly. However, the R-22 is not forgiving of pilot error or sluggishness and is not recommended as a training helicopter due to this.
Cost: USD $250,000
Robinson R-44 Raven
The Robinson R-44 Raven line is a very popular choice among flying experts. Many argue it is the worlds best for personal ownership, regardless of the price. It has four seats and comes in two models, the Raven I and Raven II (with the Raven II being more expensive). It is heavier than the R-22 allowing it to ride through wind gusts and turbulence more solidly than the R-22. It is also much safer to fly as a ‘training helicopter’ for numerous reasons, but specifically, because it gives you several more seconds to activate what is called autorotation (used to land during an engine failure) which can only be a good thing.
Cost:
- Raven I – USD $340,000
- Raven II – USD $415,000
Bell B206 JetRanger
The five-seater Bell B206 JetRanger is another very popular helicopter, both with military services and civilians. It has a two blade main rotor and a two blade tail rotor. This model and all of its variants are what has kept Bell Helicopters on par with the Robinson line. It does cost considerably more but is also a little larger than the R-44.
Cost: USD $700,000
Eurocopter EC120 Colibri Hummingbird
The Eurocopter EC120 is a very quiet and comfortable helicopter, but it does come with the appropriate price tag that reflects its positives. With five seats and a single engine and rotor, it is a relatively light helicopter. It also implements numerous crash resistant systems for the seats and the fuel system.
Cost: USD $1,700,000
So in conclusion, if you're interested in getting a helicopter, then you are looking at anywhere from USD $250,000 – $1,700,000, depending if you want a little two-seater or want to go all the way up to a five-seater. Obviously there are numerous other factors to consider (training costs, operational costs, storage costs, etc), but hopefully you now have a good and realistic idea the upfront cost! Whether you were just curious, or are seriously considering buying one, it’s always a fun bit of trivia to know.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
Questions & Answers
Comments
Great!!!
How I want buy
i will buy one day
Hello could you explain to me about final price and shipping
Thanks for the information
we are not for helicopter but helicopter is for us
Its 1.20 cr. To 6 cr. So can be buy. But first i will find need, then i buy. Because passion is only for some day but need is for forever.
My dream is buy a helicopter & one day I will buy......
U.P.
I want to fly but i have no Helicaptor
some one please gift me
I need a 2 seat helicopter
my dream is to buy some types of chopper in my whole life
Dharasuna cholapur Varanasi u.p. India
Helicopter pics are super cool...
We will buy 1 day
1 day i Will buy
am looking for a used four seats helicopter but the price is starting at how much in us dollars?
I was thinking about that first of all question is arise every one .what is the cost of it.
I want to fly in the sky
This is my dream
nice ariticle
It's about time someone put this list together. I've been chopper-shoppin' for months and couldn't find a good resource to compare the different makes and models. I was going to buy the Raven I, but I don't want to look cheap.
can i buy a helicopter personally.
how much it cost in indian rupees
This article is great
I want to be an aeronautic engineering please god help me with a helicopter
I like helecopters
Insha Allah one day i will buy hlocptr
Helecoptare
can u gift me a Helicopter.....
It's my dream please God help me
We need this type of helicopter to fight crime in our country.
This is the nearest i have come to understanding the cost of buying a helicopter...How about operational cost like fuel, insurance and tax?
Thank you very much,
finally a clear article about this topic.
Good Flight at averyone !
Tuesday, May,29.2018 - GOOD JOB, Tomsum ! I was looking for these information and I found your research on google.
Really HELPFUL ! BE BLESSED !
How much is a Agustawestland AW139 Turbine Helicopter.
most likey buying a helicopter in the future they are so affordable not even funny one would think they are expensive
Why does this cost so much to rent one
Very nice I like a bell206 jetRanger
Cicare helicopters from 80.0000 to 150.000 from Meza Arizona
I always dreamt about buying a "Flying Bird".. Definitely its a great information very helpful to achieve my "Goal". Of course there are certain reservations also like pilot salary Hanger charges License etc... anyway all the information is really "Great.... atleast one can dream to have one
Rajesh Aggarwal
Wow it's reasonable cost. I will buy in future
Wow... My dream may be fulfilled in near future because of its price range..
My dream that i want to buy any one of them in future
My ever dream to buy this collibri humming bird is very nice.please help me god to make it occupied
I will buy ;) ;)
Thank you Tomsum, your research on helicopter prices was useful for me.
Kindly yours
Heidar
How lovely how nice?
wow! i want to buy the Colibri Hummingbird. it looks like my style!!
wow!! Its a great..................lol
Actually, firstly when i
thank you,i always wondered ,how much these things cost!
only wishies were horses.........!
It's very beautiful but no prices in Indian currency
hi , kamal are u buying one and thinking it to take nepal..i am from nepal too..its too expensive..but we are crazy to buy it...so plz let me know i want to know..how u goin to decide...
Ask and it is given.
this is it
CAN WE BRING IT TO NEPAL
Thanks.Though thinking more on the line of a Sikorsky, an S-76 or S-92.They look more stable and secure,what do you think?
I want to buy the latest one
thank you, this was very helpful!
Very cool
cool hub! you can build your own home built experimental helicopter for about 65K. Just google "rotorway helicopter". It has a FEDEC controlled piston engine. If I was rich I would buy one :)
Thanks for article. atleast it will help most of us who have interest in buying it.
- AUTHOR
@Money Glitch - Thanks!
Congrats on being selected as a HubNugget nominee. :)
- AUTHOR
@wendy87 - Yeah the yellow one is my favourite too :) Thanks for your comment!
the yellow helicopter in your hub is cool!!!!!! unique hub voted up
- AUTHOR
@ripplemaker - Wow, this is a really great surprise! Thanks a lot :)
tomsum, that's a pretty good question. Come to think of it, I never thought about asking coz I never thought of buying one. :) But now I know .. just in case! LOL
Congratulations to your Hubnuggets nomination. Yes, your hub has been nominated in the Autos category. Yehey! This link will take you there: https://hubpages.com/hubnuggets6/hub/Hubnuggets-in... If not, just grab a helicopter and follow me!
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