4-occupant turbine helicopter · Private helicopters · production 1982–present · See its reach on the 3D globe
An MD Helicopters MD 500E costs approximately $2.17m (€2.01m) to $2.59m (€2.4m) to buy at 2010 market values, and about $220k (€204k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $2,749 (€2,545) per flight hour all-in. It seats 5, cruises at 136 kt (157 mph) and has a published range of 267 nm (494 km). Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1,361 kg |
|---|---|
| Useful load | 625 kg |
| Maximum operating altitude | 16,000 ft |
| Maximum climb rate | 1,770 ft/min |
| Engine | Rolls-Royce 250-C20R or 250-C20B turbine, 450 or 420 shp |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 5 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 957 lb (434 kg) |
| Published planning range | 267 nm (494 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 179 nm (332 km) |
| Cruise speed | 136 kt (157 mph) |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Landing gear | Skids |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | $141k (€131k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $778 (€720) |
The MD 500E combines 5-seat helicopter capability with about 267 NM reported range and about 136 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Indicative cash costs at 2010 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.
| Annual use | Annual cash cost | Effective cost / h | Five-year cash outlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 h / year | $189k (€175k) | $4,720 (€4,370) | $3.3m (€3.06m) |
| 80 h / year | $220k (€204k) | $2,749 (€2,545) | $3.46m (€3.2m) |
| 120 h / year | $251k (€232k) | $2,092 (€1,937) | $3.61m (€3.35m) |
| 180 h / year | $298k (€276k) | $1,654 (€1,531) | $3.85m (€3.56m) |
Every figure above is built from a $141k (€131k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $778 (€720) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $217k (€201k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
MD Helicopters MD 500E cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
On top of a pilot certificate, this aircraft obliges the person flying it to hold the following. Each one is time and money before the first trip, and insurers usually attach their own minimums on top.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
An indicative 2010 market price for an MD Helicopters MD 500E is $2.17m (€2.01m) to $2.59m (€2.4m). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
Flying 80 hours a year, an MD Helicopters MD 500E works out at roughly $220k (€204k) annually, which is about $2,749 (€2,545) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $778 (€720).
Published range is 267 nm (494 km). With 4 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 179 nm rather than the brochure figure.
Beyond a pilot certificate, an MD Helicopters MD 500E requires rotorcraft-helicopter rating. A helicopter category and class rating on your pilot certificate. Fixed-wing time does not transfer, and most owners reach this type through a full course rather than an add-on. These are US requirements and are stated for orientation; confirm them against the current regulation and an instructor.
MD Helicopters MD 500E is a helicopter and needs no runway, but landing permissions and component-life maintenance dominate its real-world utility.