Robinson R44 Clipper II vs Md Helicopters 500
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Robinson R44 Clipper II
- For sale now
- 23
- Median asking
- $379,000
- Range
- $149,000–$715,600
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 10
- Source marketplaces
- 9
- Model years available
- 2003–2026
Md Helicopters 500
No active listings right now.
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) | Robinson R44 Clipper II | MD Helicopters 500 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Robinson R44 Clipper II | MD Helicopters 500 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,000 – $715,600 | — |
| Category | Piston Helicopters | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP | 420 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 109 kts (202 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 232 nm (430 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Useful Load | 994 lbs (451 kg) | 1,550 lbs (703 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,200 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $150,000 | $250,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $80,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | $450 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Turboshaft |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateRobinson R44 Clipper II
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$65,000/yr
MD Helicopters 500
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$450/hr
Annual Fixed$80,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$170,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Robinson R44 Clipper II or MD Helicopters 500?
Pick the R44 Clipper II if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $450/hr.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 232 nm.
Pick the 500 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 109 kts.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Robinson R44 Clipper II or MD Helicopters 500?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The R44 Clipper II cruises at 109 kts with 300 nm range.
The 500 cruises at 135 kts with 232 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Robinson R44 Clipper II and MD Helicopters 500?
R44 Clipper II engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (245 hp).
500 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 5.
Cruise: 109 vs 135 kts.
Range: 300 vs 232 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R44 Clipper II: about $200/hr variable cost.
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?
R44 Clipper II: 4 seats / 994 lb useful load.
500: 5 seats / 1,550 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 Clipper II: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$150,000.
500: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
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