What sort of journey suits the Kawasaki BK 117?

It is useful for small-group transfers in a twin-engine helicopter. The cabin can be configured for passengers or specialist equipment, so the particular interior is important when comparing a private transfer with a utility aircraft.

Can a medical or utility version be assumed to have passenger seating?

No. Mission equipment can replace normal seats or use much of the cabin. Request a passenger-configured aircraft and confirm the actual seating layout for the group.

What is the passenger cabin like?

Passenger versions can use facing seats or transport rows behind the cockpit. Executive, medical and utility interiors can be very different, so the actual cabin photographs and seat plan matter.

How much luggage should the group plan to bring?

A guide figure for baggage space is about 0.8 cubic metres. Agree the bags with the operator before the trip. Helicopter loading depends on passenger weights, fuel and the shape of the baggage compartment, so several small soft bags can be easier to accommodate than large rigid cases.

Is the quoted range a guarantee for our transfer?

The operator needs to check the exact landing sites, passenger and baggage weights, weather and required fuel reserves. A general range figure does not confirm that a particular helicopter can complete the proposed transfer with the planned load.

Can we use a landing site close to our destination?

A helicopter can use a suitable helipad or landing site rather than a runway. Give the operator the exact location so access, obstacles, ground arrangements and the proposed flight can be checked before the transfer is agreed.

What should I check about the Kawasaki BK 117 engine fit?

Engine options and subvariants can differ within the aircraft family. Ask for the exact airframe and engine specification, especially when comparing an original aircraft with a later version or conversion.

Kawasaki BK 117 for charter

Charter Kawasaki BK 117 – explore specs, range, speed, dimensions & compare with similar private jets

Charter Price per Hour$1 900 – $2 700

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Aircraft Info

Model:: Kawasaki BK 117
Family:: Other
Manufacturer:: Other

Aircraft Class:: Helicopter
ICAO/IATA Codes:: BK17

Number Built:: 440
Available on Aviapages:: 23
Single Pilot Operations:: Yes

Popularity45
Reliability70
Comfort40

Performance

Service Ceiling:: 19 685 ft 6 000 m
Max Takeoff Weight:: 7 385 lbs 3 350 kg

Engine Type:: 2 x Turboshaft
Typical Engine:: 2 x Lycoming/Honeywell LTS101 or Turbomeca Arriel

Long Range Cruise Speed:: 113 kts 210 km/h
Max Cruise Speed:: 135 kts 250 km/h

Payload–Range Chart

Estimated Max Flight Time:: 2.4 h
Max Range:: 270 nmi 500 km
Fuel Burn Rate:: 551 lb/h 250 kg/h
Max Payload:: 2 646 lbs 1 200 kg

Kawasaki BK 117 Cabin Plan

Max passengers:: 5

Sleeping Places:: 0

Airframe

Aircraft Height:: 12.63 ft 3.85 m
Aircraft Length:: 32.74 ft 9.98 m

Cabin Zones:: 1 main passenger compartment behind the cockpit, with flexible forward/rear-facing seating; rear cabin space serves baggage or mission equipment
Doors:: Side passenger doors and separate cockpit doors; rear clamshell loading doors provide baggage/mission access; no galley service door
Baggage Compartment:: Baggage stowage depends on passenger/mission layout; operator must confirm dimensions and allowance
Airstairs:: No integrated airliner-style stairs; boarding uses skid, fixed step or portable step as fitted

Charter Costs for the Kawasaki BK 117

Price per Hour

Charter Price per Hour: $1 900 – $2 700

Owning Price

Buying Price (new): $4.95M – $6.05M
Pre-owned Price Range: $800 000 – $3M

Charter Costs

Cost per NM: $18.13
Direct Operating Cost (DOC)/h: $990 – $1 550
Annual Cost of Ownership: $485 000 – $750 000
Cost per Seat-Mile: $2.6 – $3.7

Total Annual Variable Costs

At 200 hours: $254 000
At 350 hours: $444 500

Total Fixed Cost

At 200 hours: $173 000
At 350 hours: $173 000

Nice – Monaco

LFMN – LNMC

Flight time:: 5 min
Estimated price:: $2 812

Nice – Cannes

LFMN – LFMD

Flight time:: 6 min
Estimated price:: $2 924

Nice – La Mole / St Tropez

LFMN – LFTZ

Flight time:: 20 min
Estimated price:: $4 488

Geneve – Courchevel

LSGG – LFLJ

Flight time:: 26 min
Estimated price:: $5 159

New York City – New York City

KJRA – KJFK

Flight time:: 6 min
Estimated price:: $2 924

New York City – Newark

KJRA – KEWR

Flight time:: 4 min
Estimated price:: $2 700

These route prices are estimates. The final quote will be provided by your manager and may vary depending on aircraft availability, travel dates, airport fees, and additional services.

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Kawasaki BK 117 Description

Since the first BK117 was delivered in 1983, which has been jointly developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Airbus Helicopters Germany, the model has undergone constant evolution. The BK117 D-3 features a useful load increase of 150 kg with a five-blade main rotor and shortened maintenance downtime. It inherits features of the BK117 D-2 that preceded it, including versatility, wide clamshell doors at the rear, good hover performance and low noise levels. The executive version of the BK-117 carries a pilot and five passengers, but given the volume of 3.22m3 there is ample room for nine passengers in the high density version. Behind the passenger cabin is a large baggage hold with a capacity of 1.34m3, which is reached through two hinged doors at the rear of the fuselage.