md-520n

service

MD 520N Helicopter Specifications and Charter Rates

The MD 520N is a revolutionary light turbine helicopter designed for private and executive travel, offering seating for up to five passengers and powered by cutting-edge NOTAR anti-torque technology. This innovation replaces the traditional tail rotor with a quieter, safer system, making the 520N ideal for urban environments, event transfers, and scenic flights where noise sensitivity matters.


Whether you need rapid access to city centers, quick hops between business sites, or an unforgettable arrival at a private estate, the MD 520N delivers unmatched agility and low operating noise. This profile covers all cabin details, range, performance specifications, indicative charter pricing, and the key considerations for discerning flyers booking this exclusive helicopter experience.

jettly
service

MD 520N Overview

The MD 520N is a top-tier light helicopter, celebrated for its advanced NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) system that maximizes safety and minimizes noise. With space for up to five passengers, it’s the perfect solution for short-range executive missions, luxury leisure flights, and city-to-city transfers where landing flexibility is essential. Its compact footprint and responsive handling enable access to helipads, rooftops, and remote destinations that fixed-wing aircraft simply cannot reach.


What distinguishes the MD 520N is its quiet operation and smooth ride, even when flying at low altitudes over metropolitan areas. This makes it a premium choice for VIP movements, film shoots, or any charter where discretion and efficiency are paramount. Operators and clients alike value its reduced maintenance demands, proven safety record, and the ability to land closer to your end destination than almost any other mode of private air travel.


With its combination of innovative technology, operational efficiency, and passenger comfort, the MD 520N stands out as a preferred helicopter for those who demand the best in private vertical lift.

jettly

MD 520N Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Helicopter

Passenger capacity:

Up to 4 (typical), 5 maximum

Crew:

1 pilot

Range:

Approximately 610 nautical miles (around 703 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

130 knots (about 150 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 110 knots

Service ceiling:

16000 fee

Engines:

One Rolls-Royce 250-C20R/2 turboshaft

Thrust:

Roughly 420 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1200 feet

Landing distance:

About 1100 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 40 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 1.5 cubic feet

First delivered:

Early 1990s

md-520n

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

md-520n

MD 520N Range and Performance

The MD 520N covers up to 610 statute miles on a single tank, making it ideal for regional hops, city-to-resort flights, and urgent business transfers. This range comfortably accommodates popular routes such as downtown Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, Miami to the Florida Keys, or London to the Cotswolds without refueling. | Thanks to its high-speed cruise of 150 mph and service ceiling of 16,000 feet, the MD 520N swiftly surmounts traffic and terrain, ensuring a smooth, time-saving journey. Its compact size allows for takeoffs and landings at helipads, private estates, and executive rooftops—putting your true destination just steps away from touchdown. | With a typical fuel burn of just 40 gallons per hour, the 520N delivers efficiency without sacrificing performance. The NOTAR system guarantees quieter flight profiles and safer ground operations, making this helicopter a favorite for missions in sensitive or high-profile environments.

md-520n

MD 520N Cabin Experience and Interior

The MD 520N features a comfortable, climate-controlled cabin with generous visibility and executive-style seating for up to five passengers. Its wide doors and thoughtful design ensure easy boarding, while wraparound windows provide panoramic views perfect for both business and leisure travel. | Inside, the quiet NOTAR system means conversations and conference calls are effortless, even in flight. Passengers enjoy ergonomic seats, ample legroom, and a refined ambiance tailored for productivity or relaxation. | Though the baggage compartment is modest at 1.5 cubic feet, it accommodates soft bags or essentials for day trips. For business charters, the tranquil, low-vibration cabin supports focused work; for leisure flights, the unmatched views and smooth ride ensure every journey is as enjoyable as the destination.

MD 520N Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

laptop
A black and white image of an airplane.

Chartering a MD 520N typically runs in the range of $2000 to $2600 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

A black and white image of an airplane.

It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

A black and white image of an airplane.

Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a MD 520N down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the MD 520N?

The MD 520N fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

icon

Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

icon

Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

icon

Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

icon

Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

icon

Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

For extended international hops or bulky luggage requirements, a jet or larger helicopter may be more appropriate, but for direct point-to-point transfers, luxury sightseeing, or time-critical city access, the MD 520N is unrivaled in its flexibility and discretion.

service

How the MD 520N Compares to Other Helicopter

The MD 520N’s roots trace back to the legendary MD 500 series, long renowned for its agility and reliability in both military and civilian roles. The introduction of the NOTAR system in the 520N marked a significant leap forward, eliminating the tail rotor for quieter, safer operations—setting it apart from most other helicopters in its class.


Its innovative design ensures reduced maintenance requirements and minimal environmental disruption, which appeals to both operators and charter clients. The MD 520N remains one of the few helicopters that can land in noise-sensitive or high-profile locations, making it a preferred choice for city transfers and luxury travel where discretion is essential.


Today, the MD 520N stands at the forefront of executive helicopter travel, offering a combination of advanced technology, operational efficiency, and passenger comfort that few rivals can match.

jettly

MD 520N History and Background

The MD 520N is a product of McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, debuting in the early 1990s as an evolution of the acclaimed MD 500 series. It was the world’s first production helicopter to feature NOTAR technology, a groundbreaking advance that replaced the traditional tail rotor with a jet-thrust system for enhanced safety and ultra-low noise.


This innovation made the 520N a favorite among police, emergency, and VIP operators globally. Its pioneering design and reliability led to widespread adoption in roles demanding precise handling and minimal environmental impact. Today, the MD 520N continues to set the benchmark for urban and executive helicopter travel, celebrated for its unique blend of technology, safety, and comfort.

plan

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the MD 520N Carry?

The MD 520N typically seats up to four passengers in executive comfort, with a maximum of five in select configurations. Its flexible layout makes it well-suited for corporate groups, families, or VIP transfers.

What Is the Range of the MD 520N?

The MD 520N has a range of approximately 610 nautical miles, or roughly 703 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the MD 520N Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 130 knots (about 150 mph), with a long-range cruise near 110 knots. The aircraft's 16000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a MD 520N?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2000 and $2600 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker MD 520N Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The MD 520N’s cabin offers comfortable seating, excellent headroom, and panoramic windows, enabling passengers to move easily and enjoy the journey. The helicopter also features climate control and sound-reducing NOTAR technology for a relaxing in-flight experience.

Is the MD 520N Good for Transcontinental Flights?

Yes, the MD 520N can cover most regional city pairs such as Los Angeles to Palm Springs or Miami to Nassau with ease. Its range and agility make it an exceptional choice for point-to-point private helicopter charters.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including MD 520N jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the MD 520N, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS

partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo