N5278F

N5278F is a MD Helicopters MD500 operated by CITY OF HOUSTON. SkyMeter has tracked 460 flights totalling 1,326 hours of airtime via ADS-B across 2 callsigns. Service window in our records spans 441 days. The MD Helicopters MD500 has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,000 lb.

About the MD Helicopters MD500

The MD 500 is a light single-engine helicopter descended from the Hughes 369, a design that first flew in 1963 and became one of the most successful light turbine helicopters ever built. Originally developed by Hughes Helicopters and later produced by McDonnell Douglas and MD Helicopters, the 500 series is known for its compact size, agility, and distinctive egg-shaped fuselage. Its military sibling, the OH-6 Cayuse, earned fame as the "Loach" during the Vietnam War, flying low-level reconnaissance missions, but the civilian MD 500 found its niche in law enforcement, emergency medical services, executive transport, and tourism operations worldwide.

The type's appeal lies in its versatility and operating economics. Powered by a single Allison 250-series turboshaft engine producing around 420 shaft horsepower, the MD 500 can carry four to five occupants depending on configuration, with a useful load of roughly 1,400 pounds. Its cruise speed hovers around 130 knots, and it can operate comfortably at altitudes up to 10,000 feet, making it suitable for mountain operations and urban environments alike. The helicopter's small footprint and excellent visibility make it a favorite for police air support units, where its ability to loiter quietly and maneuver in tight spaces proves invaluable. Tour operators prize it for doors-off scenic flights, while EMS providers appreciate its speed and cabin access for medical crews.

Over six decades of continuous production have resulted in thousands of MD 500s delivered globally, with variants ranging from the original 500C to the modern 500E and 530F models featuring more powerful engines and upgraded avionics. The type remains in production today, a testament to the enduring soundness of the original Hughes design. Its combination of reliability, maintainability, and performance has kept it competitive against newer light singles, and its proven track record ensures it remains a common sight at heliports and helipads across North America and beyond.

SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.