Enstrom 480B Helicopter under $300,000

Under $300k for a helicopter is the entry-piston band — typically Robinson R22 (training), Robinson R44 Raven I (mid-life), Schweizer 300 series, early Hughes 269. Engines on mid-life cycles; rotor blades and component overhauls dominate scheduled cost. SFAR 73 training currency (Robinson) is mandatory for solo ops.

The Enstrom 480B is the turbine evolution of the line — a five-seat light helicopter powered by a Rolls-Royce 250 turbine, combining Enstrom's hallmark stability and rugged construction with turbine reliability and a roomy cabin. Used for training (including military), private flying and police work, it offers turbine smoothness in a stable, forgiving airframe.

Enstrom 480B helicopter for sale

· 5-seat · Reference price ~$650,000 ($400,000–$1,100,000) · updated 3 hours ago

Enstrom 480B Specifications

Model spec

The Enstrom 480B is a 5-seat single turbine helicopter with a cruise speed of 114 kt (211 km/h), a range of 370 nm (685 km), and a useful load of 1,200 lbs (544 kg).

Performance
Cruise114 kt (211 km/h)
Range370 nm (685 km)
Service Ceiling13,000 ft (3,962 m)
Engine & Fuel
Horsepower420 HP
Fuel Burn28.0 GPH (106 L/h)
Weights & Seats
Seats5
Max Gross Weight3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
Useful Load1,200 lbs (544 kg)

Enstrom 480B for Sale

$100,000
Project
Reg# 5168
Location Wuxi Shi, Jiangsu, China
Multiple sources

Compare Enstrom 480B

See how the Enstrom 480B stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Enstrom 480B Price & Cost

Enstrom 480B Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Enstrom 480B Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (28.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$17,360/yr
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Buying a Used Enstrom 480B

Buying a Enstrom 480B comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

  • Turbine — Rolls-Royce 250 hours, hot-section and overhaul status are the primary value drivers.
  • Dynamic components & life-limits — rotor and gearbox times; review the component status sheet.
  • Configuration — training, private or police fit; verify seating and mission equipment.
  • Airframe & logs — corrosion, damage history, complete records.
  • Avionics — verify panel and ADS-B Out.

Frequently Asked Questions — Enstrom 480B

Cost?
From — to —, median —.
Why a turbine Enstrom?
Turbine reliability and a roomy five-seat cabin with Enstrom stability — a stable,

Enstrom 480B Inventory by Country

New Zealand1

Enstrom 480B by Price

Under $200k1
Under $300k1
Under $500k3

Enstrom 480B by Decade

2010s1

Other Enstrom Helicopters

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Enstrom 480B Safety Record

Across all 480B variants, 1 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 2005–2005. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

1

Total Events

1

Incidents

0

Serious

0

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Jun 29, 2005 Scofield, UT Incident the pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. Contributing factor's include the pilot's failure to maintain…

NTSB records 2005–2005. Includes all Enstrom 480B variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 3 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data