Md Helicopters 500C vs Robinson R66
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Md Helicopters 500C
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 500C | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 40 |
| Serious | — | 4 |
| Fatal | — | 23 |
| Fatalities | — | 44 |
| % Fatal | — | 58% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | MD Helicopters 500C | Robinson R66 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $539,000 – $699,000 | $580,650 – $1,565,200 |
| Category | Single Turbine Helicopter | Single Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 5 |
| Horsepower | — | 270 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | — | 350 nm (648 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 23.0 GPH (87 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $300 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Turbine |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMD Helicopters 500C
Robinson R66
Fuel$126/hr
Variable$300/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$95,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, MD Helicopters 500C or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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?
MD Helicopters 500C: from $699,000.
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 500C and Robinson R66?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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