Specifications
Aircraft Details
- Model: MD HELICOPTERS 500E
- Condition: Used
- Total Time: 763 hours
- Cycles: 968
- No Damage History
- Rotor Brake
- Quick Release Door Pins
- Par Avion Door Shocks
- AFS Filter
- Rain Gutters
- Gill Sealed Lead Acid Battery
- Heater/Defogger
- Dual Controls (LH Command)
- High Gear
- LED Strobe and Position Lights
- Exhaust Engine Breather
- Facet Filter
- Flood Landing Lights
- Fargo Auxiliary Fuel Tank
- Bubble Comfort Door Windows
- Full CAI Interior
- Slant Panel
- Avionics:
- Garmin G500H Txi 1060
- Garmin GI275 Attitude with ADHARs
- Garmin GTN 750
- Garmin GTX 345 ADSB Transponder
- Garmin GMA 345 Audio
- Garmin GTR 225 Standby Com
- Shadin Fuel Flow
- King KRA Radar Altimeter
- ARTEX 406H ELT
- DAVTRON 803 Clock/OAT/VOLTS
- Seating: Front - Mesh with standard cloth; Back - Bench Mesh with cloth covers
- Covers and ground handling wheels included
- Cargo Hook installed but never used
- Engine: C20B
- ADS-B Equipped: Yes
- Radar Altimeter: Yes
- ELT: Yes
About this Model
Overview
The MD 500E is an evolution of the Hughes/MD 500 series that emphasizes a compact footprint, responsive handling, and mission flexibility. Buyers typically consider it for utility roles where quick turns, confined-area operations, and good visibility matter more than cabin volume. The 500E’s airframe and rotor system are widely associated with training, patrol/observation, and light utility work, with numerous configuration options depending on prior operator use.
Mission Fit
Mission fit is strongest for short-to-medium stage lengths with frequent landings and repositioning. The type’s compact size supports confined landing zones and rooftop/urban operations when permitted. For buyers focused on carrying multiple adult passengers plus baggage in comfort, larger cabin helicopters tend to be a better match.
Cabin
Cabin experience is typically functional rather than spacious. Seating and interior finish vary widely by configuration and prior mission (e.g., utility, police, training), and noise/vibration expectations align with a light single-turbine helicopter. Visibility from the cockpit and forward cabin area is a common operational advantage for observation and approach/landing tasks.