Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), is helping to ensure optimal service to Florida residents and visitors who need emergency aero-medical transport. The company recently provided a new inlet barrier filter (IBF) system for a Bell 430 twin-engine helicopter in service with Lee County, Fla., MEDSTAR. MEDSTAR provides air and ground critical care transport services, including on-scene emergency responses and inter-facility transfers, to Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Southwest Florida.  The unit currently operates two helicopters, the newly acquired 430 and a Eurocopter BO-105.

“We chose to upgrade to Donaldson inlet barrier filters because of their simplicity and the extra protection they provide,” said Rob Fulton, Lee County MEDSTAR Operations Manager.  “MEDSTAR operates in a fine sand and heavy salt environment and needs to minimize the impact of those elements on our operations.  We knew we either had to pay for the best filtering system available or we would pay with additional down time and high engine maintenance costs.”

According to Robert Stenberg, Business Development Director at Donaldson’s St. Louis operation, IBFs provide exceptionally efficient protection for helicopter engine components during flights in difficult and challenging environments.  “MEDSTAR’s operation will benefit from IBF operational advantages, ensuring that the unit’s rotorcraft fly safely and reliably with full available power while helping to reduce maintenance costs,” Stenberg commented.  “IBF acquisition and installation costs are very competitive, and maintenance is simple, especially in comparison with alternative filtration approaches.  Donaldson offers IBFs for the Bell 430 and many other popular commercial helicopter models.”

Fulton agreed, noting, “Our installation went well and we are looking forward to operating with more available power, without the extra complexity of bleed air driven filters.  This was a good product find for Lee County MEDSTAR,” Fulton concluded.

To learn more about the Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, visit www.DonaldsonAerospace-Defense.com.

About Donaldson Aerospace & Defense
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems for the aerospace and defense industry. Our filtration solutions protect fixed wing aircraft, rotorcraft, military ground vehicles, electronic equipment, space vehicles, missiles, military shipboard systems, and amphibious vehicles. We are committed to advancing filtration technology, providing quality products and prompt customer service. Our group serves customers from sales, engineering, and manufacturing locations around the world.

About Donaldson Company
Donaldson is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems that improve people’s lives, enhance our Customers’ equipment performance, and protect our environment.  We are a technology-driven Company committed to satisfying our Customers’ needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development, application expertise, and global presence.  Our 12,500 employees contribute to the Company’s success by supporting our Customers at our more than 100 sales, manufacturing, and distribution locations around the world.