Where it fits well
- 134 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 230 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 154 nm with 4 occupants.
- 450 kg realistic payload proxy and 6 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Photo: Adrian Pingstone (Arpingstone) · Public domain · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 6 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 450 kg |
| Advertised range | 230 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 154 nm |
| Cruise speed | 134 kt |
| Runway need | Vertical |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €105k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €940 |
The ownership trade-off
The MD 600N combines 6-seat helicopter capability with about 230 NM reported range and about 133 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 €165k per year ( €4128 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €203k per year ( €2534 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €240k per year ( €2003 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €297k per year ( €1648 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €193k 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 600N combines 6-seat helicopter capability with about 230 NM reported range and about 133 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €105k 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.