SA350b Lama Flight Hour in 2020-2021

[cominginhot]

Hi all, Anyone have an estimate of what the commercial flight hour for the venerable, but rarely seen Lama SA315b is these days? Would love if someone could give a fairly recent reference. Thanks in advance guys!

EDIT!: Corrected SA350b to SA315B --- never run her up w/ out your cup of coffee! :}

[Gordy]

Hi all, Anyone have an estimate of what the commercial flight hour for the venerable, but rarely seen Lama SA315b is these days? Would love if someone could give a fairly recent reference.

The current flight rate per hour paid the USFS and other fire agencies is $2,011.11 per hour. Bear in mind that is just the flight rate, one would be getting whatever daily rate one had negotiated on top of that. To convert to a ball park straight flight rate per hour, multiply that rate by 1.5 to 2. This would give a good indication of anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000 per hour.

Fed Hourly Flight Rate Charts (https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/Feb%202021%20Contracts%20Awarded%202018-2021.pdf)

[RVDT]

If you can find one!!

SA315B Lama is probably a rare item these days.

I think Safran are due to pull the TC for the Artouste engine as it is becoming non-viable to continue support. There are other sources but you better have deep pockets.

I think most operators that are out there are just running the time out on available part life engines where they can find them. France, Italy and Switzerland still treasure them but the days are numbered.
FAA Registry Search = 17 remain "registered" in the US and that doesnt mean they are operational.