The Sikorsky S-76 is the executive helicopter standard, and in Los Angeles it is the aircraft that turns up when the transfer is part of a serious itinerary. Six to eight passengers, twin turbines, retractable gear and 155 knots.
Sikorsky designed the S-76 specifically for corporate and offshore work rather than adapting a military airframe, with two turbines, retractable landing gear and a cabin built around passenger comfort. Six to eight seats, 155 knots and roughly 411 nautical miles of range.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Helicopter
- Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft (Lockheed Martin)
- Year introduced: 1979
- Seating: 6 to 8
- Crew: 2
- Range: 411 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 155 knots
- Service ceiling: 15,000 feet
- Length: 44.1 feet
- Wingspan: 44 feet
- Height: 14.5 feet
- Baggage volume: 38 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Belted
Why the Sikorsky S-76 Fits Los Angeles
Eight seats in a twin is the combination that makes this the default for an executive group moving as one. A board party from the Westside into Van Nuys or Ontario ahead of a heavy jet departure travels together rather than in two aircraft on two schedules.
Twin engines and the aircraft’s offshore heritage are why the S-76 is the recommendation for the longer overwater and coastal legs around Southern California, including routing toward Santa Catalina Island. Landing-site approval sits with the operator and we confirm it for the specific site and date.
It is the most expensive helicopter on this site by a clear margin, and it is not the right answer for a fifteen-minute crosstown hop. When the group is small and the leg is short, a Bell 407 does the same job for less.
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Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Sikorsky S-76 run $3,500 to $5,000 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
The S-76 quotes at the top of the helicopter band, and for a Los Angeles group of seven or eight it is usually still cheaper than the two aircraft it replaces.
Other Helicopters Available
The full helicopters category page lists every helicopter we arrange for Los Angeles departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Sikorsky S-76 charter in or out of Los Angeles, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.