PlaneFox tracks 1 Robin DR500 President 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.
A Robin DR500 President flies about 810 nm, roughly 1,500 km, which is about 5 h 47 min in still air at typical cruise.
A Robin DR500 President costs about EUR 1,878 a month to run, or about EUR 198 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
The Robin DR500 President is a French, wood-and-fabric, low-wing touring aircraft developed by Avions Pierre Robin as the higher powered, five-seat member of the DR400 family. It first appeared in the 1970s and was aimed at private owners, aero clubs and business users needing more payload and cross-country capability than the four-seat DR400 variants. Its importance is its unusual combination of DR-series handling, a forward-hinged canopy, fixed tricycle landing gear and a 200 hp engine in a practical touring airframe.
The DR500 President is typically powered by a 200 hp Lycoming IO-360 fuel-injected four-cylinder engine, commonly paired with a constant-speed propeller. Published performance varies by equipment, loading and propeller fit, but typical cruise figures are around 135 to 150 knots. Range is commonly quoted in the region of 650 to 800 nautical miles, depending on fuel capacity and reserves. Maximum operating ceiling is generally listed at about 16,000 feet. Maximum takeoff weight is about 2,755 lb, with useful load often close to 950 to 1,000 lb, making weight and balance planning important when all five seats are occupied.
The cabin seats five, with two front seats and a rear bench arrangement that gives the DR500 President more flexibility than the smaller DR400 models. Visibility is a strong point because of the large canopy, while cabin width and baggage capacity remain typical of a light single from this period rather than a modern composite touring aircraft. Original panels were conventional analogue layouts with VHF communication, navigation receivers and transponder equipment. Used examples may now carry Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or GI 275 electronic instruments, Aspen displays, ADS-B transponders and aftermarket autopilots. Garmin Perspective and factory G1000 installations are not typical for this model.
Prospective buyers should focus on airframe condition, especially the wooden structure, fabric covering, moisture history, glue joints and documented repairs. Engine time, propeller overhaul status, fuel system condition and availability of Robin-specific parts also matter. Many aircraft have received avionics upgrades, interior refurbishment or modern engine monitors, while originality may appeal to buyers seeking a classic French touring aircraft. In the used market, the Robin DR500 President usually sits above standard DR400 touring variants in capability and cost, but below faster retractable or six-seat singles.