How far can a helicopter fly?

Flying a helicopter isn't just about the experience – it's also about reaching places quickly and flexibly. Many people ask us how far you can actually fly in a helicopter. The answer is: further than you think.

From our base in Stockholm we don't just fly sightseeing and short tours over the city and the archipelago – we also fly private charter to places like Skåne, Dalarna or Gothenburg. The range depends on several factors – above all fuel load, weight and weather.

Factors that affect how far a helicopter can fly

• Weight and load – A fully loaded helicopter with a lot of luggage burns more fuel and therefore has a shorter range. In some cases the load also limits how much fuel can be taken on board, to stay within the maximum take-off weight.
• Fuel tank size – Both the size of the helicopter's tank and the engine's fuel burn affect flight time.
• Speed and altitude – How high and how fast the helicopter flies has a big impact on fuel consumption. Flying low – especially with strong headwind – demands more power from the engine. For every weight/load and weather condition there is a "sweet spot" where the helicopter flies as efficiently as possible. In practice the optimal altitude and speed can still be limited by things like cloud base and the airspace we're allowed to use.
• Weather and wind – Headwind and, to some extent, precipitation reduce ground speed for a given airspeed, which indirectly increases fuel consumption over a distance. Conversely, a good tailwind can lower fuel burn or even remove the need for a refuelling stop.
• Safety margins – In professional flying we always plan for reserve fuel and possible diversion.

Our helicopters – and their range

Arlanda Helicopter AB operates five different helicopter models. They cover everything from sightseeing and photo to aerial work and exclusive charter trips. Here's an overview:

🚁 Bell 206L LongRanger

An industry classic – reliable, stable and versatile.
Range: about 600 km. Perfect for experience flights, shorter charter and transport in the Mälardalen region. Known as a "workhorse" with low operating costs.

🚁 Bell 206LT TwinRanger

Similar to the LongRanger but with two engines, providing higher safety and better performance on longer flights.
Range: about 600 km. An excellent choice for corporate flights and missions over water or difficult terrain.

🚁 Eurocopter AS350 B3e

A powerful single-engine helicopter used worldwide in both mountain regions and hot climates.
Range: up to 660 km. The longest-flying machine in our fleet – ideal for longer charter trips or photo/film missions where range matters.

🚁 Eurocopter EC130 B4 (H130)

Developed for sightseeing and passenger comfort.
Range: about 600 km. With panoramic windows and low noise levels it's perfect for exclusive tours, but not optimised for extreme long-distance flying.

🚁 Airbus ACH130 (EC130 T2)

Our most exclusive VIP model with climate-controlled cabin and quiet Fenestron tail rotor.
Range: about 600 km. The obvious choice for comfortable long flights – for example Stockholm → Skåne, or for transport to the mountains, events or weddings.

How far can you actually go in practice?

Starting from Stockholm, depending on model and load, our helicopters can fly to places like:

• Malmö or Helsingborg – about 500–600 km
• Gothenburg – about 400 km
• Östersund or Umeå – 500–600 km

For longer distances we plan a refuelling stop – often at airports along the route. For customers who want to charter a helicopter for, say, a day trip to Skåne, it's perfectly possible to arrange a refuelling stop and a return the same day.

Helicopters with extra long range

For really long flights, specialised helicopters are used, often in military, ambulance and offshore operations. Some examples:

• Sikorsky S-92 – used by coast guards and offshore companies, range around 1,000 km.
• Bell 525 Relentless – a modern civilian model with long range and high comfort.
• Military CH-47 Chinook – carries several tonnes of load and can fly over 1,100 km.
• Air ambulance helicopters are often modified for extra tanks and life-support equipment rather than passenger comfort.

The difference from our private models is mainly size, weight, engine capacity and fuel volume. Our aircraft are optimised for passenger comfort, flexibility and smooth landings close to the destination – not for continuous long-distance flying without breaks.

Summary

• A modern helicopter can fly up to about 600–660 km on one tank.
• For longer flights we plan a refuelling stop along the way.
• From Stockholm we easily reach all of southern Sweden and parts of Norway and Finland.
• Among our helicopters the Eurocopter AS350 B3e has the longest range, while the Airbus ACH130 is the most comfortable for long flights.