Md Helicopters 500 vs Robinson R66

The MD 500 and Robinson R66 compare an agile legacy turbine single against the modern, economical R66.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Md Helicopters 500

No active listings right now.

Robinson R66
For sale now
80
Median asking
$880,000
Range
$580,650–$1,565,200
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
13
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
2011–2028

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 500Robinson R66
All events140
Serious04
Fatal023
Fatalities044
% Fatal0%58%
View full MD Helicopters 500 NTSB record →View full Robinson R66 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model MD Helicopters 500 Robinson R66
Robinson R66
View 81 listings →
Median $880,000
Price Range — $580,650 – $1,565,200
Category — Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower 420 HP 270 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 232 nm (430 km) 350 nm (648 km)
Service Ceiling — 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Useful Load 1,550 lbs (703 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) 23.0 GPH (87 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost $250,000 $200,000
Annual Fixed $80,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $450 $300
Engines 1 x Turboshaft 1 x Turbine

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

Robinson R66

Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $95,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: MD Helicopters 500 or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: Choose the R66 for low acquisition/operating cost and modern simplicity (the value turbine single); choose the MD 500 for performance, agility and ruggedness. R66 = value/modern; MD 500 = performance/ rugged. ================================================================ # MD 520N / 600N — NOTAR single ================================================================

Pick the 500 if…

  • Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 110 kts.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$300/hr vs $450/hr.
  • Longer range — 350 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 Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 500 cruises at 135 kts with 232 nm range. The R66 cruises at 110 kts with 350 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R66: from $1,659,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between MD Helicopters 500 and Robinson R66?
500 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 hp). R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Cruise: 135 vs 110 kts. Range: 232 vs 350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
500: about $450/hr variable cost. R66: about $300/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. R66: 5 seats / 1,100 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. R66: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000. 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