MD Helicopters MD500 D
H500Light Turbine HelicopterCurated data · 2026-06The Hughes 500D is the commercial name of the 369D model on FAA type certificate H3WE (approved 8 December 1976), with an Allison 250-C20B turbine (420 shp nominal, limited to 375 shp for takeoff), a five-blade main rotor and a T-tail.
Know what it really costs to operate
Full operating cost, variable vs fixed mix and a line by line breakdown: the math that decides the purchase.
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Frequently asked questions about the cost
How much does it cost to operate the MD Helicopters MD500 D per hour?
Jet Tracker estimate: about US$ 1,432 per flight hour at 200 h/year, of which US$ 592 per hour is variable cost (fuel, engine program, maintenance reserves, fees) plus US$ 168,000 per year of fixed cost (crew, hangar, insurance, training).
How much does it cost per year to keep the MD Helicopters MD500 D flying 200 hours?
About US$ 286,480 per year (roughly R$ 1,580,797 at today's exchange rate), of which 41% is variable cost (depends on hours flown) and 59% is fixed cost (exists even with the aircraft parked).
How much fuel does the MD Helicopters MD500 D burn per hour, in cost?
About US$ 186 per flight hour, at the US$ 6.20 per gallon used in this simulation (reference price, not today's quote). Fuel is usually the largest variable cost item.
How much does the MD Helicopters MD500 D cost per nautical mile?
About US$ 10.61 per nautical mile, at a cruise speed of 135 kt. It is the right metric to compare aircraft of different speeds on the same route.
What is the difference between variable and fixed cost?
Variable cost only exists when the aircraft flies: fuel, engine program, hourly maintenance reserves and landing fees. Fixed cost exists even with the aircraft in the hangar: crew, hangarage, insurance, training and subscriptions. That is why total cost per hour falls the more hours per year the aircraft flies.
Estimates from the Jet Tracker cost engine under the assumptions shown in the calculator. They do not replace a quote from an operator, MRO or insurer.