Md Helicopters 500C vs Robinson R44
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Md Helicopters 500C
No active listings right now.
Robinson R44
- For sale now
- 446
- Median asking
- $337,560
- Range
- $103,500–$722,186
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 94
- Source marketplaces
- 17
- Model years available
- 1994–2026
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 500C | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 366 |
| Serious | — | 33 |
| Fatal | — | 165 |
| Fatalities | — | 345 |
| % Fatal | — | 45% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | MD Helicopters 500C | Robinson R44 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $539,000 – $699,000 | $103,500 – $722,186 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Piston Helicopters |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 260 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | — | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 882 lbs (400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 48.0 gal (182 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $150,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $200 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMD Helicopters 500C
Robinson R44
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, MD Helicopters 500C or Robinson R44?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 cruises at 110 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
MD Helicopters 500C: from $699,000.
Robinson R44: from $650,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between MD Helicopters 500C and Robinson R44?
R44 engine: Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 (260 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44: about $200/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?
R44: 4 seats / 882 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?
R44: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
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