Md Helicopters 500 vs Eurocopter H125

The H125 and MD 500 compare a high-useful-load utility single against the compact, agile, high-speed NOTAR/tail-rotor MD.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Md Helicopters 500

No active listings right now.

Eurocopter H125
For sale now
52
Median asking
$1,350,000
Range
$803,525–$3,345,647
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
10
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1978–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)MD Helicopters 500Eurocopter H125
All events1—
Serious0—
Fatal0—
Fatalities0—
% Fatal0%—
View full MD Helicopters 500 NTSB record →View full Eurocopter H125 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model MD Helicopters 500 Eurocopter H125
Eurocopter H125
View 50 listings →
Median $1,350,000
Price Range — $803,525 – $3,345,647
Category — Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 6
Horsepower 420 HP 952 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 140 kts (259 km/h)
Range 232 nm (430 km) 339 nm (628 km)
Service Ceiling — 23,000 ft (7,010 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) 5,511 lbs (2,500 kg)
Useful Load 1,550 lbs (703 kg) 2,536 lbs (1,150 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 143.0 gal (541 L)
Fuel Burn 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) 42.0 GPH (159 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 3,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $250,000 —
Annual Fixed $80,000 —
Hourly Variable $450 —
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turboshaft

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

MD Helicopters 500

Fuel$192/hr
Variable$450/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $170,000/yr

Eurocopter H125

Fuel$231/hr

Which Should You Buy: MD Helicopters 500 or Eurocopter H125?

Bottom line: Choose the MD 500 for agility, speed and compact footprint (ENG, law-enforcement, tight sites); choose the H125 for cabin space, useful load and external-load utility. MD 500 = agility/speed; H125 = load/cabin. ================================================================ # Eurocopter H130 — single-turbine tour/EMS ================================================================

Pick the 500 if…

Pick the H125 if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 5.
  • Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 339 nm vs 232 nm.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, MD Helicopters 500 or Eurocopter H125?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 500 cruises at 135 kts with 232 nm range. The H125 cruises at 140 kts with 339 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Eurocopter H125: from $1,495,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between MD Helicopters 500 and Eurocopter H125?
500 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 hp). H125 engine: Safran Arriel 2D (952 hp). Seats: 5 vs 6. Cruise: 135 vs 140 kts. Range: 232 vs 339 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
500: about $450/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
500: 5 seats / 1,550 lb useful load. H125: 6 seats / 2,536 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
500: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000. H125: 3,000-hour TBO. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data