What is the annual operating cost of a Sikorsky S-76?

For 100 hours/year, expect $180,000–$220,000 in total operating costs. Twin-engine commercial helicopters offer heavy lift, reliability, and multi-mission capability; costs reflect premium commercial helicopter economics.

How much fuel does Sikorsky S-76 burn?

Rolls-Royce 250-C30R twin turbines burn 120–140 gal/hr cruise. Jet-A at $5.50/gal ranges $660–$770/hour.

What is Sikorsky S-76 engine TBO?

Rolls-Royce 250: 3,600 hours TBO; $45,000–$55,000 overhaul each. Combined engine reserve $25–$32/hour.

How much does Sikorsky S-76 insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $12,000–$18,000 for $2,500,000–$3,500,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours.

Can you finance a Sikorsky S-76?

Yes. A $2,800,000 S-76 at 6.5% APR over 10 years costs ~$41,200/month ($494,400/year).

What is Sikorsky S-76 payload?

Maximum payload 5,000–5,500 lbs. 12-14 seat capacity, excellent for commercial operations.

How does S-76 compare to Bell 206L?

S-76 twin-engine heavy lift; 206L single turbine lighter duty. S-76 commercial operations; 206L training and personal.

What is Sikorsky S-76 TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$674,000–$714,000 annually (operating + debt). By year 11 (loan paid): ~$180,000–$220,000/year.

What maintenance does S-76 require?

Annual inspections $8,000–$12,000, rotor system maintenance $4,000–$6,000/year. Budget $85–$110/hour maintenance.

Is Sikorsky S-76 good for offshore operations?

Yes. Industry standard for offshore oil/gas. Twin-engine safety and heavy lift justify premium positioning.

The True Operating Cost of Sikorsky S-76

The Sikorsky S-76 is an industry-standard twin-engine commercial helicopter offering 14-seat capacity, exceptional reliability, and multi-mission capability. Plan for $180,000–$220,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,800–$2,200 per hour. The S-76 dominates offshore, corporate, and emergency services with unmatched performance, safety, and operational flexibility.

Quick Specs: Sikorsky S-76D+

Specification	S-76D+
Engines	2 × Rolls-Royce 250-C30R (730 shp each)
Fuel Burn	120–140 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed	140–160 mph
Service Ceiling	20,500 ft
Useful Load	5,200–5,500 lbs
Seats	14 (variable)
Range	650–800 nm

TL;DR: Sikorsky S-76 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $55,000–$72,000/year (insurance $12,000–$18,000, hangar $14,000–$18,000, annuals $8,000–$12,000, rotor checks)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $125,000–$148,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $180,000–$220,000/year (~$1,800–$2,200/hour)
Finance a $2,800,000 S-76: Add $41,200/month ($494,400/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
At 50 hours: ~$142,500–$180,000/year (~$2,850–$3,600/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$305,000–$368,000/year (~$1,525–$1,840/hour)

Commercial Twin-Engine Helicopter Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $12,000–$18,000/year for $2,500,000–$3,500,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
Hangar: $14,000–$18,000/year (commercial helicopter facility)
Annual inspection: $8,000–$12,000 labor (commercial twin rotor system)
Rotor system checks: $3,000–$4,500/year

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A fuel: 130 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$715/hour
Oil and hydraulic fluid: $8–$12/hour
Engine reserve: $25–$32/hour ($100K per engine ÷ 3,600 TBO × 2)
Rotor blade maintenance: $30–$45/hour
Helicopter maintenance: $45–$60/hour (transmission, systems)
Landing fees: $30–$100/landing

Jet-A Fuel & Operating Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours	Gallons Jet-A	Cost @ $5.50/gal	$/Hour
50	6,500	$35,750	$715
100	13,000	$71,500	$715
150	19,500	$107,250	$715
200	26,000	$143,000	$715

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Rolls-Royce 250-C30R Engines

250-C30R: 3,600 hours TBO per engine
Overhaul cost: $50,000–$60,000 per engine
Combined reserve: $110,000 ÷ 3,600 = $30/hour
Reliability: Proven turboshaft technology with excellent support

Commercial Helicopter Maintenance

Main rotor blade inspection: $2,000–$3,500/year
Transmission service: $2,500–$4,000/year
Hydraulic system flush: $1,500–$2,500/year
Tail rotor maintenance: $1,200–$2,000/year
Budget: $85–$110/hour for all maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Commercial Helicopter Insurance

$2,500,000 hull, 500+ hours, commercial: $12,000–$15,000/year
$3,500,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $17,000–$21,000/year
Offshore operations: +40–70% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Commercial Hangar	$1,170–$1,500	$14,000–$18,000
Outdoor Tie-Down	$400–$700	$4,800–$8,400

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$63,500	$79,250	$142,750	$2,855
100	$63,500	$158,500	$222,000	$2,220
200	$63,500	$317,000	$380,500	$1,903

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $2,800,000 Sikorsky S-76, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $494,400/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$222,000	$494,400	$716,400	$7,164
200	$380,500	$494,400	$874,900	$4,375

Financing the Sikorsky S-76

Purchase price: $2,200,000–$4,000,000 (depends on year, avionics, hours)
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $2,000,000–$3,500,000
Term: 10–15 years
APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $30,000–$55,000

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial helicopter rated, $750,000+ annual income, business plan, hull insurance $2.5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation specialize in commercial helicopter financing for offshore and corporate operators.

Sikorsky S-76 vs. Competitors

vs. Bell 206L: S-76 twin-engine heavy lift; 206L single turbine lighter duty
vs. Airbus AS350: AS350 single turbine lighter; S-76 commercial twin-engine standard
vs. Bell 412: Bell 412 similar capacity; S-76 more modern avionics and systems

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Sources: Sikorsky Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS