What a Enstrom 480 costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 3 Enstrom 480 aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
How far can a Enstrom 480 fly?
A Enstrom 480 flies about 360 nm, roughly 667 km, which is about 3 h 11 min in still air at typical cruise.
What does a Enstrom 480 cost to own?
A Enstrom 480 costs about EUR 6,746 a month to run, or about EUR 540 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
More questions about the Enstrom 480
How much does a Enstrom 480 cost?
What is the price range for a used Enstrom 480?
How many Enstrom 480 aircraft are for sale right now?
Where can I find a Enstrom 480 for sale?
What should I check when buying a used Enstrom 480?
About the Enstrom 480
Aircraft overview
The Enstrom 480 is a light turbine helicopter built by Enstrom Helicopter Corporation in Menominee, Michigan. It grew out of the company’s TH-28 military trainer program and entered civil production in the early 1990s, with FAA certification for the 480 achieved in 1993. The later 480B became the main production version. The type matters in the used market because it offers turbine power, a five seat cabin and a fully articulated three blade rotor system in a relatively compact airframe. It is used for private transport, flight training, law enforcement, utility work and patrol missions.
Performance & specifications
Typical Enstrom 480B figures include a cruise speed of about 100 to 110 knots, depending on weight, configuration and operating conditions. Published range is commonly around 350 nautical miles with standard fuel and reserves assumptions varying by source. Maximum operating altitude is listed at 13,000 feet. The helicopter is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20W turboshaft, a widely supported engine family in the light helicopter sector. Maximum gross weight for the 480B is 3,000 lb, with useful load varying by equipment fit, interior, avionics and installed mission gear.
Cabin & avionics
The Enstrom 480 is normally configured for one pilot and up to four passengers, with a front cockpit and rear bench arrangement. The cabin is valued for its straightforward access, good outward visibility and relatively simple utility layout rather than corporate-style luxury. Avionics vary widely across the fleet. Earlier aircraft often have conventional analog flight instruments with Garmin GNS 430 or GNS 530 navigation units, transponders and audio panels added over time. Upgraded aircraft may feature Garmin GTN navigators, modern ADS-B equipment, digital engine monitoring or glass panel conversions. The 480B-G introduced a Garmin G1000H integrated flight deck, which is distinct from Garmin Perspective installations used in some fixed wing aircraft.
Buying & value
Used Enstrom 480 buyers should focus on engine time, hot section status, component life limits, rotor system condition, gearbox history, corrosion checks and the quality of maintenance records. Mission equipped examples may include police, camera, searchlight, external load or training equipment, which can affect empty weight and resale appeal. Common market references include the original 480, the improved 480B and the glass cockpit 480B-G. In the used turbine helicopter segment, the Enstrom 480 is typically positioned as a practical, lower volume alternative to more common light turbine models, with pricing strongly influenced by component status, avionics standard and factory support history.