Md Helicopters 520N vs Robinson R66

The Robinson R66 and MD 520N are both turbine singles, but built around different philosophies: the R66 is an efficient five-seat private turbine, while the MD 520N uses the NOTAR anti-torque system in place of a tail rotor.

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model MD Helicopters 520N Robinson R66
Md Helicopters 520N
View 2 listings →
Median $650,000
Robinson R66
View 98 listings →
Median $974,036
Price Range $650,000 $1,504 – $1,921,420
Category Single Turbine Helicopter Single Turbine Helicopter
Model Specifications
Seats 5 5
Horsepower 270 HP
Cruise Speed 125 kts (232 km/h) 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

Estimate

MD Helicopters 520N

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 520N or Robinson R66?

Bottom line: choose the R66 for a lower price (from ~$470K vs ~$650K), newer design and the larger used market. Choose the MD 520N specifically if you want NOTAR — its no-tail-rotor system for reduced noise and tail-strike risk — and can accept a far thinner used market. ⚠️ ДАНІ-БАГ на цій сторінці: spec-таблиця показує MD 520N "5 kts" cruise і "1 seat" — обидва хибні (реально ~125 kt, ~5 місць). Виправити дані ПЕРЕД публікацією; у прозі я їх не вживаю.

Pick the 520N if…

  • Faster cruise — 125 kts vs 110 kts.

Pick the R66 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,504 vs $650,000, you save ~$648,496.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1982.
  • More inventory — 98 listings vs 2.

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 520N or Robinson R66?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 520N cruises at 125 kts. 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?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between MD Helicopters 520N and Robinson R66?
R66 engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 (270 hp). Cruise: 125 vs 110 kts.
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?
520N: 5 seats. 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