What a MD Helicopters MD 520N costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 1 MD Helicopters MD 520N aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
How far can a MD Helicopters MD 520N fly?
A MD Helicopters MD 520N flies about 210 nm, roughly 389 km, which is about 1 h 42 min in still air at typical cruise.
What does a MD Helicopters MD 520N cost to own?
A MD Helicopters MD 520N costs about EUR 9,936 a month to run, or about EUR 795 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
More questions about the MD Helicopters MD 520N
How much does a MD Helicopters MD 520N cost?
What is the price range for a used MD Helicopters MD 520N?
How many MD Helicopters MD 520N aircraft are for sale right now?
Where can I find a MD Helicopters MD 520N for sale?
What should I check when buying a used MD Helicopters MD 520N?
About the MD Helicopters MD 520N
Aircraft overview
The MD Helicopters MD 520N is a five seat, single engine light helicopter built around the company’s NOTAR anti torque system. It was developed from the MD 500 series, with certification and customer deliveries beginning in the early 1990s. Its role is close to the MD 500E in size and mission profile, but the MD 520N replaces the conventional tail rotor with a fan driven tailboom system that uses directed airflow and a controllable jet thruster for yaw control. For buyers, that distinction matters: it reduces tail rotor strike exposure, changes noise characteristics and gives the aircraft a specific maintenance and operating profile.
Performance & specifications
Typical published performance for the MD Helicopters MD 520N includes a maximum cruise speed of about 134 knots and a range of about 232 nautical miles, depending on equipment, fuel, altitude and mission loading. The type is powered by a Rolls Royce 250 C20R series turboshaft, commonly listed at 450 shp for takeoff rating. Maximum operating altitude is commonly published at 20,000 feet. Useful load varies materially by equipment fit, interior, mission kit and records, but the aircraft is generally evaluated as a light utility and executive transport platform rather than a heavy lift helicopter.
Cabin & avionics
The MD 520N normally seats one pilot and up to four passengers, with a compact cabin, large transparencies and the forward visibility associated with the MD 500 family. The absence of an exposed tail rotor is useful in confined ground operations, while the small fuselage favors short sector transport, patrol, observation and utility work. Avionics vary widely by year and modification history. Many aircraft were delivered with analog flight instruments and BendixKing or similar radios. Used examples may have Garmin GPS, Garmin GTN navigators, G500H or G500H TXi displays, transponders with ADS B Out and modern audio panels. Garmin Perspective and G1000 are not typical factory suites for this model.
Buying & value
Used MD Helicopters MD 520N aircraft should be assessed by total time, engine condition, component remaining life, damage history and completeness of logbooks. Particular attention should be paid to the NOTAR fan, tailboom, jet thruster, control system rigging and any history of tailboom repairs. Common upgrades include modern Garmin avionics, wire strike protection, air conditioning, utility interiors, high visibility doors, cargo hooks, searchlights or law enforcement mission equipment. In the used market, the MD 520N is a more specialized alternative to conventional tail rotor light singles, valued by operators who want MD 500 handling with NOTAR characteristics, but requiring buyers to verify parts support and technician familiarity.