MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces a new level of service and customer support in its Mesa, Arizona based Factory Service Center.
To meet the increasing needs of customers to revitalize existing aircraft, MD Helicopters has committed new resources to the following highly popular and successful programs:

• MD 500E to MD 530F Conversions
• MD 900 to MD 902 Conversions
• Factory Repair, Refurbishment or Overhaul
• Annual Inspections
• Factory Paint
• Repair and Overhaul of components
• Avionics and Electrical Upgrades

MD 500E to 500F Conversions – Available exclusively through the MD Helicopters factory, the E-F upgrade allows owners of MD500E’s the option of factory recertification of existing helicopter as a new MD 530F. Realization of the hot and high performance benefits of an MD 530F has never been easier to achieve. Over a period of just a few weeks, the MD Helicopters factory Service Center will perform airframe modifications to the latest standards, install a Rolls Royce 250-C30HU engine and complete all scheduled airframe inspections. The increased performance and payload of the MD 530F will immediately expand mission capabilities.
MD 900 to MD 902 Conversions – MD 900 owners looking for Twenty-First Century performance and the latest in equipment design may now modernize their aircraft through a range of improvements available through the MD Helicopters factory Service Center. This conversion includes a new PW207E turboshaft with higher single engine inoperative ratings, revised engine air inlets, improved NOTAR inlet design and a more powerful stabilizer control system. The MD 902 conversion allows operators to meet the stringent Category A performance requirements now required in many geographic regions.
Benefits also include an increased maximum takeoff weight, improved safety due to increased one engine in-operational (OEI) limitations, enhanced reliability and aircraft resale value.
Factory Repair, Refurbishment or Overhaul – Whether damaged or in need of a “spruce up”, The MD Helicopter Factory Service Center is ready to provide high quality repairs or refurbishments to its entire product line. MD’s staff of experienced engineers and technicians is ready to restore any MD helicopter to “as good as new.”
Aircraft Inspection Services – Nothing compares to a factory stamp of approval. It could be an MD Helicopter being returned from lease or being prepared for sale – whatever the situation, the MD Helicopters Service Center team is ready to provide certified aircraft inspections. Pre-buy or annual inspections are easily scheduled through the aftermarket sales team or customer service representative. Aircraft Painting Services – The MD Helicopters factory Service Center team is available to repaint any MD Helicopter. Using the new eco-friendly down-draft paint booth, MD paint specialists will provide a genuine “baked on” finish that will dazzle and satisfy even the most critical eye and do it at a competitive price. Design consultation is also available and customers can chose from many standard layouts. Component Overhaul & Repair Services – MD Helicopters continues to provide high quality component repair and overhaul services. MD can restore or provide an exchange part from an extensive pool of transmissions, rotorhubs & swashplates.
Avionics Upgrades – MD Helicopters can bring an owner’s aircraft into the digital age by incorporating the latest navigation and communication equipment. There are a number of approved packages that customers can consider or customized systems can be developed to meet mission specific requirements. Customers can take advantage of the reduced weight and improved reliability found in today’s modern digital avionics.
“Customers should recognize the myriad advantages of service and upgrades on premises where new MD Helicopters are built,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MD Helicopters, Inc. “I would encourage all our customers to consider conversions and upgrades during these trying economic times to improve performance and expand flight hours. You will not find a more qualified or devoted team than at your OEM so contact the factory service center or customer support to review your options. Factory customer support will be a primary focus for our company in 2010.”
MD Helicopters’ products are widely known for their ability to serve a variety of rotorcraft market segments. MD’s class-leading helicopters offer responsive agility, versatility, safety, performance and economic value. Operators worldwide turn to MD Helicopters for the advantage of high performance rotorcraft backed by a company with a passion for service.
About MD Helicopters, Inc.
MD Helicopters, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters. The MDHI family of rotorcraft is world renowned for its value, versatility and performance. The MD Helicopters family includes the twin-engine MD Explorer®, and single engine versions of the MD 600N®, MD 520N®, MD 500E® and MD 530F®. The NOTAR® system for anti-torque control is used exclusively by MD Helicopters. The Company is based in Mesa, Ariz. For more information about MDHI visit http://www.mdhelicopters.com .
About Patriarch Partners LLC
The Patriarch platform is a vertically integrated distressed private equity firm with robust in-house operational turnaround expertise. Patriarch Partners, LLC (“Patriarch”), founded in 2000, was built upon a proprietary patented financial model designed to manage and monetize the distressed portfolios of financial institutions. Patriarch has since evolved into a global investment firm that concentrates on direct investments in distressed businesses, managing funds with over $7 billion of equity and secured loan assets with equity investments in more than 70 companies, and controlling interests in approximately two-thirds of these. For more information, please visit www.patriarchpartners.com.