Specifications
Aircraft Details
- Located in Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Dual controls and cargo hook equipped
- Leather seats and new carpets in the interior
- VIP passenger/utility configuration
- Airframe total time: 11,130 hours, 9,537 landings/cycles
- Engine: Rolls Royce, 9,585 hours since new
- Major component times remaining: MGB 2,428 hrs, TGB 1,370 hrs, MRB 1,425 hrs, TRB 1,456 hrs
- Engine stages remaining: Stage 1 - 970 hrs, Stage 2 - 970 hrs, Stage 3 - 613 hrs, Stage 4 - 606 hrs
- Avionics include: VFR day & night, Garmin GNC 255A, Garmin GPS, Garmin intercom, Garmin transponder, artificial horizon, KCS55A HSI, turn and slip indicator, ELT-Kannad
- Exterior: White
- Interior: Grey leather seating
About this Model
Overview
The 500D is a single-engine, five-blade light helicopter known for responsive handling, a small footprint, and good visibility for the pilot. It is commonly used for roles that value maneuverability and quick turnarounds—such as training, aerial observation, limited passenger transport, and light external-load or utility missions—rather than long-range cruising or high-payload lift.
Mission Fit
It tends to fit operators who fly many short segments per day and want a straightforward platform with good low-speed controllability. Missions that require sustained high gross weight, extensive baggage volume, or significant reserve fuel will typically push the aircraft toward its practical limits sooner than larger singles or light twins.
Cabin
Cabin space is functional rather than expansive, with access and layout oriented around front-seat pilot workload and quick loading for small passenger groups. Noise and vibration levels are typical of light turbine helicopters, and comfort depends heavily on interior configuration, seating type, and installed mission equipment.