The MD500 Little Bird has always had a special place in the RC world. Compact, fast, and iconic, it’s the kind of helicopter that brings a smile to your face the moment its rotor starts spinning. Today, I’m comparing three different MD500 RC helicopters—each offering a very different flying experience.

If you're thinking about getting your own Little Bird but aren’t sure which one fits your style, this breakdown will help you figure it out.

1. F119S MD500 MH-6 Little Bird — The Full-Scale Experience

The F119S is the largest, most realistic, and most detailed model in this comparison. Its 1/16 scale size and military-style exterior give it a real sense of presence, whether on the ground or in the air.

Flying it feels closer to traditional RC helicopters than the other two models. It’s powerful, steady, and best suited for outdoor flights. If you enjoy realistic flight profiles, this one delivers that satisfying “real helicopter” feeling.

2. MD500 2.4G 4CH 6-Axis Gyro — The Beginner-Friendly Trainer

This version is the middle ground—bigger than the C189 but far easier to control than the F119S. Its six-axis gyro makes hovering noticeably smoother, and the overall feel is calm and predictable. If you're still getting comfortable with single-rotor helicopters, this is the model that helps you progress without stress.

It’s also versatile enough for outdoor use, but still forgiving for new pilots.

3. RC ERA MD500 C189 (1/28 Scale) — Compact, Indoor-Friendly Fun

The C189 is small, lightweight, and extremely easy to maneuver indoors. You don’t need huge spaces or perfect weather—just a garage, living room, or warehouse will do. It’s ideal for practicing orientation, small circuits, or just flying for fun without worrying about breaking anything expensive.

Despite its small size, it still captures the MD500 shape well, and the flight performance is surprisingly stable.

Which One Fits Your Flying Style?

Instead of strict categories, here’s how I personally see these three helicopters after comparing them side by side:

• If you want the most “real helicopter” feeling, the F119S stands out immediately.
  It’s the one that makes you feel like you're flying a mini military bird.
• If you want something easy, stable, and great for everyday practice, the 6-Axis Gyro version feels like the most balanced choice.
  It builds confidence fast.
• If you just want something fun and stress-free, especially indoors, the C189 is surprisingly addictive.
  It’s the model you reach for when you just want to fly without preparing anything.

Think more about how you plan to fly—outdoors or indoors, relaxed or more realistic—and the right choice becomes pretty clear.

Final Thoughts

All three MD500 Little Bird models bring something different to the table. One gives you scale realism, one gives you training-friendly stability, and one gives you pure, casual indoor fun. No matter which one you pick, the Little Bird DNA—agility, compact size, and that distinctive silhouette—is always there.

If you're building a collection, the F119S makes a great centerpiece.
If you're learning, the 6-Axis Gyro model is the easiest to trust.
And if you just want something enjoyable to fly anytime, the C189 is hard to beat.

Whichever direction you go, you really can’t make a wrong choice with an MD500.