Eurocopter H125 vs Md Helicopters 500

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

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
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)Eurocopter H125MD Helicopters 500
All events—1
Serious—0
Fatal—0
Fatalities—0
% Fatal—0%
View full Eurocopter H125 NTSB record →View full MD Helicopters 500 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

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

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Eurocopter H125

Fuel$231/hr

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: Eurocopter H125 or MD Helicopters 500?

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 H125 if…

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

Pick the 500 if…

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Eurocopter H125 or MD Helicopters 500?
It depends on your mission and budget. The H125 cruises at 140 kts with 339 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?
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 Eurocopter H125 and MD Helicopters 500?
H125 engine: Safran Arriel 2D (952 hp). 500 engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 hp). Seats: 6 vs 5. Cruise: 140 vs 135 kts. Range: 339 vs 232 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?
H125: 6 seats / 2,536 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?
H125: 3,000-hour TBO. 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