Where it fits well
- 136 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 267 nm published range creates a practical planning radius of about 179 nm with 4 occupants.
- 434 kg realistic payload proxy and 5 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Photo: Adrian Pingstone (Arpingstone) · Public domainKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 5 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 434 kg |
| Published planning range | 267 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 179 nm |
| Cruise speed | 136 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €131k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €720 |
The ownership trade-off
The MD 500E combines 4-seat helicopter capability with about 170 NM reported range and about 135 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Cost picture at different usage
- 40 hours/year: about €175k per year ( €4370 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €204k per year ( €2545 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €232k per year ( €1937 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €276k per year ( €1531 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €201k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.
Limitations to price honestly
- The MD 500E combines 4-seat helicopter capability with about 170 NM reported range and about 135 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €131k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Component life and mission-specific landing permissions dominate real-world utility.
Recommended missions
- Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
- Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
- Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.