Indianapolis PD close to selling MD600 and restart ops with B206A
Source: HeliHub.com, 24-Apr-11
Local press reports suggest that Indianapolis Police are close to selling their MD600 with an overseas buyer inspecting it around now. This aviation unit ceased operations in October 2009 under budgetary pressure, putting its MD600 flagship, two Hughes 300s and an early Bell 206A into storage. A report in July 2010 cited public safety officials [...]
23-Apr-11 C-FJJO Hughes 500C Chilliwack, Canada
23-Apr-11
Conducting VFR spraying operations when it struck the top of a tree during a turn. The pilot’s vision was affected by windshield glare from the rising sun. The lower chin bubble windshield was shattered and the mount for the anti-torque control pedals was broken. The helicopter landed without further event. CADAORS ref 2011P0595
UK: Yorkshire Air Ambulance deny maintenance move to Multiflight
Source: HeliHub.com, 14-Apr-11
Following suggestions in an online forum, HeliHub.com checked with Yorkshire Air Ambulance on the current situation regarding the maintenance contract for their two MD Explorers, registered G-CEMS and G-SASH. The suggestion has been floated that YAA are to move from their current provider Medical Aviation Services (part of the Specialist Aviation Group) to Multiflight, based [...]
Van Horn starts flight testing MD500 main blades
Source: Van Horn Aviation, 13-Apr-11
Rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation (VHA) successfully completed a series of ground and flight tests of its composite MD 500 main rotor blades during a four-hour test session at the MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) facility in Mesa, Arizona aboard a MD 530F® test aircraft. According to VHA president James R. Van Horn, the April [...]
MD’s Lynn Tilton: Court documents reveal accusations of fraud
Source: Forbes, 12-Apr-11
Quote from the Forbes article about the owner of MD Helicopters states:- “We’ve uncovered dozens of complaints against Tilton and her firm, just by searching databases for the federal and New York State Supreme court systems alone”
Turkish Police seek 10 new light twin helicopters
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Apr-11
The Turkish Security General Directorate intends to broaden its fleet with ten new helicopters, specifically stating a need to better track suspected criminals and intervening in incidents that could erupt during mass demonstrations. Reports state that they are finding their current MD600 fleet “insufficient in most cases” citing “performance problems, particularly in high temperatures and [...]
Royal Air Force supports Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Source: Royal Air Force, 07-Apr-11
RAF Linton-on-Ouse hosted the Yorkshire Air Ambulance recently when they dropped by to thank the station for their on-going support to the life-saving charity. Group Captain Terry Jones, station commander, welcomed the 160 mph MD902 Explorer helicopter and it’s crew, which was flanked in a unique photograph by a Grob Tutor trainer aircraft of 85 [...]
London and Norwegian Air Ambulances collaborate on pre-hospital care R&D
Source: London’s Air Ambulance, 06-Apr-11
This agreement formalises the existing strong links between two long established providers of physician-led pre-hospital care. Both organisations are committed leaders in the field of quality improvement in pre-hospital care and place research and development high on their agendas. London’s Air Ambulance has an international reputation for clinical excellence and has trained the majority of [...]
NZ pilot fined $6,000 for low flying
Source: Stuff, 05-Apr-11
Paul Horrell appeared for sentencing before Judge Kevin Phillips after entering a guilty plea to operating a 50)E in a careless manner by flying at a low level in the Cardrona Valley without avoiding hazard to people and property.
Essex Air Ambulance moves to new base at Earls Colne
Source: MD902, 05-Apr-11
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust is delighted to confirm that the Essex Air Ambulance has relocated from Boreham airfield to Earls Colne airfield with a brand new visitor area due to be launched in July 2011. Over the last 12 months, having secured planning consent and an affordable building design, TJ Evers the appointed [...]
UK: South East Air Support Unit officially launched
Source: Sussex Police, 04-Apr-11
A collaboration to share air support across the counties of Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire was officially launched Friday at Shoreham Airport. Although the South East Air Support Unit (SEASU) has been operational since October, today marked the start of operations under a single Police Air Operator’s Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Under the [...]
MD’s Lynn Tilton honoured with Luminary Award
Source: Patriarch Partners, 31-Mar-11
Lynn Tilton, founder and CEO of Patriarch Partners, LLC, (Patriarch) a private equity firm and holding company managing 74 companies with annual revenues of more than $8 billion, was honored with the Luminary Award at the Women’s History Month Celebration organized by Womensphere and The Urban Zen Foundation. The event, which took place last night [...]
MD Chief Pilot to present free lecture “My Adventures in Helicopters”
Source: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 29-Mar-11
When: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Davis Learning Center, Prescott, AZ (Directions) Description: A talk by helicopter test pilot, Dwayne Williams, Chief Pilot, MD Helicopters, Mesa,AZ Contact: Prof Nick Manderfield, COA, 777-6985
London’s Air Ambulance reaches 25,000 missions by helicopter and car
Source: London’s Air Ambulance, 22-Mar-11
London’s Air Ambulance, the Charity which runs London’s only air ambulance has today attended its 25,000th mission. The service, which has been in operation for 23 years, also celebrates a year of being a 24hr operation next month, in April 2011, thanks to the continued support of its sponsors and the London community. London’s Air [...]
MD Helicopters delivers new MD530F to Kauai Fire Dept
Source: MD Helicopters, 15-Mar-11
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, has completed the delivery of a new MD 530F to the Kauai Fire Department. The delivery of the MD 530F marks an important milestone in the history of the Kauai Fire Department, as it is the first aircraft they have owned. Prior to [...]
MD Helicopters and Sagem demo ICDS display system
Source: MD Helicopters, 15-Mar-11
MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, and Sagem are demonstrating the Sagem ICGS Display System in Booths 1618 (MDHI) and 1937 (Sagem) at Heli-Expo 2011, held March 5th – 8th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando,Florida. MD Helicopters will feature the Sagem unit in its MD 530F® [...]
West Yorkshire Police MD Explorer passes 13,000 Hours
Source: MD Helicopters, 15-Mar-11
[Editor note - This is one in a long series MD Helicopters puts out every time this airframe passes the next 1000 figure - see here] Aircraft Number 078 Surpasses All Other MD Explorers in the Fleet MESA, AZ, March 6, 2011 – MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, [...]
Switzerland’s Fuchs Helicopter buys a new MD530F
Source: MD Helicopters, 15-Mar-11
MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, has completed the sale of a new MD 530F to Fuchs Helicopter of Schindellegi, Switzerland. Fuchs will deliver the aircraft to a large corporate customer, who already owns an MD 500D. The new MD 530F ordered from Fuchs features state-of-the-art avionics, including the [...]
MD Helicopters and Van Horn Aviation debut composite rotor blades
Source: MD Helicopters, 15-Mar-11
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, and Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C. (Van Horn) are demonstrating co-developed composite main rotor blades for the MD 530F® aircraft in Booths 1618 (MDHI) and 1521 at Heli-Expo 2011, held March 5th – 8th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The [...]
MD Helicopters and Garmin demo G500H Avionics in 500E
Source: MD Helicopters, 15-Mar-11
MESA, Arizona, March 6, 2011 – MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, along with Garmin, will be demonstrating the G500H Avionics in Booths 1618 (MDHI) and 1632 (Garmin) at Heli-Expo being held March 5th – 8th in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. MD Helicopters is featuring [...]
MD Helicopters and Boeing make progress on AH-6i collaboration
Source: MD Helicopters, 15-Mar-11
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, and The Boeing Company (Boeing) have announced significant progress on a contract to collaborate on the production of the Boeing AH-6i Light Attack/Reconnaissance Helicopter for the worldwide market. Consistent with the Memorandum of Agreement signed in July, 2010, both companies are now finalizing [...]
MD Helicopters selects EMTEQ LED exterior lighting
Source: EMTEQ, 15-Mar-11
EMTEQ will begin delivery of FC Exterior Lighting to be installed on MD Helicopters’ MD 900 and MD 500 series helicopter production programs in 2Q2011. Lighting for the MD 600 series helicopter will follow later this year. MD Helicopters selected EMTEQ to design and manufacture LED exterior lighting provisions including dual mode anti-collision, position and [...]
MD Helicopters awarded $186M Afghan Air Force contract
Source: FedBizOpps, 14-Mar-11
Rotary Wing Primary Training Aircraft for the Afghan air Force Solicitation Number: W58RGZ-11-R-0060 Notice Type: Award Notice Contract Award Date: March 10, 2011 Contract Award Number: W58RGZ-11-C-0070 Contract Award Dollar Amount: $186,464,973.00 Contractor Awarded DUNS: 054313767 Contractor Awardee: MD HELICOPTERS, INC. (054313767) 4555 E MCDOWELL RD MESA, AZ 85215-9734 Synopsis: Added: Nov 08, 2010 5:49 [...]
13-Mar-11 C-GIYZ Hughes 369D Conklin, Canada
13-Mar-11
On short final the pilot elected to change the touchdown point. During manoeuvre, the tail rotor struck a large rock. The tail rotor drive shaft sheared and the tail rotor sustained substantial damage; helicopter remained upright on landing. Sole occupant pilot was not injured. CADAORS ref 2011C0797
Starflight certified by FAA
Source: Post-Journal, 10-Mar-11
WCA Hospital and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department celebrated a milestone with the Starflight program when it received certification to be considered an air carrier Thursday.
08-Mar-11 N131AL Hughes 369D Meeker, US-Colorado
08-Mar-11
Press report states “tail boom separated”
Garmin G500H available soon on MD500
Source: Garmin, 06-Mar-11
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced that MD Helicopters, a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, has selected the G500H as an optional avionics package for the MD series helicopters. The G500H, is a certified, all-glass avionics system designed specifically for the [...]
Phoenix Heliparts customizes 1981 MD500D with less than 700 hour TTAF
Source: Phoenix Heliparts, 05-Mar-11
Mesa, Arizona – March 5, 2011. After being fully restored by Phoenix Heliparts, of Mesa, AZ, a 1981 MD500D model has been customized with an ‘E’ nose, air conditioning and a complete Aerodynamix NVG package. This 30-year-old aircraft is now truly state of the art. Official handover to Team C&H, of Jacksonville, Florida, will take [...]
Coroner at 7/7 terrorism inquest says London Air Ambulance needs “proper funding”
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Mar-11
On 7th July 2005, the city of London was rocked by a series of terrorist blasts during the morning rush hour, targetting three underground trains and one iconic red London bus. A total of 56 people died, including four suicide bombers. There is currently an inquest in London into the tragic events of that day. [...]
MD Helicopters plans prominent role at Heli-Expo 2011
Source: MD Helicopters, 04-Mar-11
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, will display three aircraft at Heli-Expo 2011, to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida – March 5th-8th. The MD 500E®, MD 530F® and MD 902 Explorer® will all be on display at Booth #1618 for the duration of [...]
Lynn Tilton gets her own TV show
Source: HeliHub.com, 02-Mar-11
MD Helicopters majority owner Lynn Tilton is to get her own television show, courtesy of the Sundance Channel. Under the working title of “Diva of Distressed”, the show will promote her on a mission to save troubled businesses across America. It’s not clear from the initial information whether it will feature her current investments such [...]
New Zealand style fundraising for Kent Air Ambulance
Source: BBC, 01-Mar-11
Kent Air Ambulance has received a cheque thanks to a style of fundraising widely used in New Zealand.
Corruption investigation at Belgian Police Air Support unit
Source: HeliHub.com, 14-Feb-11
On Thursday 27th January, the Air Support Unit at Melsbroek Airport was raided by up to 30 investigations after allegations of corruption. Investigators took computers, office records, accounts and flight log books. Allegations include private use of police helicopters, failure to comply with official procurement procedures and irregularities when entering into contacts with private companies. [...]
London’s Air Ambulance rescued by Banco Santander?
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Feb-11
London’s Air Ambulance (“LAA”) has announced that it has secured financing on its MD Explorer helicopter for the next seven years. The deal, financed through Santander Corporate Banking, and with the support of Virgin Group, will enable the Charity to concentrate its efforts on continuing to develop its service. It has also appointed Banco Santander [...]
08-Feb-11 MM81052 Hughes 500M Fragagnano, Italy
08-Feb-11
Ditched into reservoir after loss of power; 2 occupants safe
Pima County Sheriff defends helicopter use following crash
06-Feb-11
HeliHub.com accident page – see 31-Jan-11 N530RL MD Helicopters MD530FF Waterman’s Peak, US-Arizona (1F)
04-Feb-11 N416WC MD Helicopters MD500E Elverta, US-California
04-Feb-11
Helicopter working on stringing new powerlines. One serious injury, one “minor to moderate” injury.
US Homeland Security pilot indicted for making false statements to investigators
02-Feb-11
A helicopter pilot with the Department of Homeland Security has been indicted for making false statements to investigators about an incident where a man drowned trying to cross the Rio Grande River. Helicopter involved was OH-6 N5185B
31-Jan-11 N530RL MD Helicopters MD530FF Waterman’s Peak, US-Arizona (1F)
31-Jan-11
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that civilian pilot Loren Leonberger was pronounced dead at the scene of the PCSO helicopter crash near Avra Valley. Other occupants were Edwin Nettleton, 58, and Paul Panzica, 41, who were released from the hospital ahead of Larry Sayers, 64, who was seriously injured.
$32M lawsuit filed against MD’s Lynn Tilton and Patriarch Partners
Source: MA Equipment, 29-Jan-11
A $32 million lawsuit has been filed in an Ohio Court against Patriarch Partners and Patriarch’s CEO and founder, Lynn Tilton. The suit was filed on behalf of MA Equipment Leasing I LLC and MA 265 North Hamilton Road LLC. The suit, (case number 09CVH 08 12912 ) filed in the Common Pleas Court of [...]
Work starts on new base for Essex Air Ambulance
Source: Essex Air Ambulance, 29-Jan-11
We are delighted to announce that building work is now underway to bring the Essex operational airbase to Earls Colne Airfield! Over the last 9 months, having secured planning consent and an affordable building design, TJ Evers the appointed building contractor arrived on site in January to begin this exciting new chapter in the history of [...]
South African Police in crash want to get back flying
Source: IOL, 29-Jan-11
Lt.Col Shabir Khan was discharged on Thursday but de Lt.Col Kosie de Villiers’s recovery is expected to take a little longer, though the enthusiastic pilot was in good spirits in the Unitas Hospital on Thursday. See accident page at 21-Jan-11 ZS-HWX MD Helicopters 369D Wonderboompoort, South Africa
£250 fine for laser pen on Greater Manchester Police helicopter
Source: Manchester Evening News, 24-Jan-11
Mobisir Ali, 23, fired the green-coloured light beam from a hotel window as the Greater Manchester Police helicopter was flying at 1,000ft over Oldham. Magistrates in the town were told the pilot lost his night vision and he was unable to see his instruments or the skyline for several seconds.
21-Jan-11 ZS-HWX MD Helicopters 369D Wonderboompoort, South Africa
21-Jan-11
The pilot, Lt Col. Koosie De Villiers, and his crewman Lt Col. Shabir Khan, were both seriously injured in the crash. Eyesitness described the aircraft as being a “total mangled wreck”, with no windows left as it “was all smashed up”.
MD’s Lynn Tilton to be honored as Living Legend of Aviation
Source: Living Legends of Aviation, 19-Jan-11
Lynn Tilton, founder and CEO of private equity firm Patriarch Partners, LLC (“Patriarch”) and industrialist will be honored as “Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year” at the 8th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards ceremony on January 21st at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA. Ms. Tilton is being recognized for her leadership in the [...]
MD produced 12 helicopters in 2010, not 50
Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Jan-11
Around Christmas, the Living Legends of Aviation® organistion put out an invitation to this year’s event, and announcing some of the winners. In a quote from this press release they said: – “The “Legends” invite you to join them as they honor Lynn Tilton, CEO of MD Helicopters as “Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year”. Ms. [...]
Ecuador – Guayquil Police add R44 and MD530F
Source: El Universo, 14-Jan-11
the executive director of the National Commission on Surface Transportation, Traffic and Road Safety, Ricardo Antón, launched the two helicopters this week – although only the R44 was onsite as the MD530F had an engine issue, apparently.
Man charged over laser shone at Greater Manchester Police helicopter
Source: Manchester Evening News, 10-Jan-11
Mobosir Ali, 23, of Newport Street, Oldham, has been charged with shining a light at an aircraft so as to endanger or distract the pilot.
Leeds man in court after laser light shone on police helicopter
Source: Yorkshire Evening Post, 06-Jan-11
At about 5.55am last Saturday the pilot of the force chopper reported a laser being shone at the aircraft as it was flying over the Bramley area of Leeds.
03-Jan-11 N902SL MD Helicopters MD900 Boise, US-Idaho
03-Jan-11
Flashlight unintentionally left in NOTAR drive cowling during maintannce caused inflight out-of-balance indication
31-Dec-10 N438RC MD Helicopters MD500E Eugene, US-Oregon
31-Dec-10
Bird strike to tail rotor at 1800 ft during training flight. Landed safely
28-Dec-10 D-HHWR MD Helicopters MD600N Jena, Germany
28-Dec-10
Helicopter was being used to blow snow off a roof, and crashed from low level. Two serious and one minor injury. One photo shows close proximity of street light stands.
CALSTAR adds 11th helicopter base
Source: Sacramento Bee, 22-Dec-10
California Shock Trauma Air Rescue on Wednesday began providing emergency helicopter transport service to the Sacramento Valley from its headquarters at McClellan Park.
Poachers turn dazzling spotlights on Humberside Police helicopter
Source: This is Hull & East Riding, 17-Dec-10
Sgt Jenkins said the attempt to dazzle the helicopter pilot had serious implications. “Endangering an aircraft is an offence and carries a five-year prison sentence,” he added. “Unfortunately for us, their night vision equipment is often better than ours.”
Versatile Helicopters sues Columbus Police over “unsafe” 500E
Source: Columbus Dispatch, 11-Dec-10
The pilot of the 12-year-old 500E sold last year to Versatile Helicopters, of Chemainus, British Columbia, was forced to make an emergency landing following engine failure, the company said in court papers filed yesterday in U.S. District Court.
Saudi Arabia National Guard to launch air wing with $25bn helicopter purchase
Source: Arabian Aerospace, 29-Nov-10
Saudi has previously confirmed a requirement for 190 helicopters but it had previously been expected that these would be for the Royal Saudi Air Force.
Dutch Police still in dispute with MD Helicopters
Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Nov-10
At the Dutch Police fleet of Bo105 helicopters and BN-2 fixed wing grew older, so they started looking at replacing them with a single newer and more capable type. After a tendering process, they selected the MD Explorer, placing an order for eight in early 2001, with MD using the annual Heli-Expo convention to announce [...]
Teenager who dazzled Humberside Police pilot with laser beam is fined
19-Nov-10
The number of cases of pilots being dazzled by laser pens increased across the UK to 737 in 2009 compared with just 29 in 2007.
Houston Police Dept celebrates 40 years of air support
Source: MD Helicopters, 18-Nov-10
Mesa, Arizona, November 18, 2010… MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) joins with the Houston Police Air Support Division in celebrating it 40th anniversary. The Air Support Division has a fleet of 10 MD 500E Helicopters. Equipped with current technology (including FLIR Systems, spotlights and video downlink) HPD air crews provide fast response times and critical ‘aerial [...]
Wichita Police celebrates 40 years in the air
Source: MD Helicopters, 17-Nov-10
Mesa, Arizona, November 16, 2010… MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) joins with the Wichita (KS) Police Department Air Section in celebrating its 40th anniversary. The WPD Air Section is one of the original 13 charter members of “Operation Sky Knight,” the first formal police helicopter patrol program in the United States. The program was initially launched [...]
Lincolnshire And Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance to launch new MD902 on Thursday
Source: This is Grimsby, 16-Nov-10
Advances over their earlier MD Explorer include bigger fuel tank, Nightsun, Night Vision Goggles, and others.
15-Nov-10 N155PH Hughes 369D Salem, US-Oregon
15-Nov-10
Helicopter was flying low on underslung load operations lifting bundles of trees from growing location to trucks bound for Texas. 1POB, named as Tim Smith, 41
27-Nov-10 D-HCHS MD Helicopters 500E Guercif, Morocco
12-Nov-10
Damaged during operation to clean insulators of a transmission line
Yorkshire Air Ambulance to move from Sheffield base
02-Nov-10
Yorkshire Air Ambulance to move one of their MD Explorers from Sheffield to Bagby following a strategic review
??-Nov-10 MD Helicopters MD530F San Marcos, US-California
01-Nov-10
Story dated 24-Nov-10 but does not refer to incident date. We assume fairly recent, hence filing this as 01-Nov. Windshield distorted and then blew out a section. Bird strike not involved.
30-Oct-10 N765WH MD Helicopters MD369E Thomas, US-West Virginia (1F)
30-Oct-10
The helicopter was flying for the Wing County Power Line Services. 4POB, 1 fatal (later named as Gary L. Bland, 52, from Georgia) and 3 to Ruby Memorial Hospital with unknown injuries
US Customs & Border Protection puts MD600 fleet into desert storage
Source: HeliHub.com, 29-Oct-10
After investigating a number of leads, HeliHub.com can report that the US Customs & Border Protection “CBP”, part of the Dept of Homeland Security, have put their entire MD600 fleet into desert storage. They are located at AMARC – the Aerospace Maintenance And Regeneration Center facility managed by the US Air Force Material Command located [...]
Yorkshire Air Ambulance celebrates 10th anniversary
29-Oct-10
From a humble start with one 15 year old Bo105, Yorkshire Air Ambulance now operate two MD Explorers
Herts Air Ambulance clocks up 500th mission in two years
Source: Watford Observer, 29-Oct-10
The Herts Air Ambulance and its crew have attended more than 500 incidents, their work is diverse and challenging but the aim is always the same – to provide the best possible care quickly and efficiently.
UK: New Lincs & Notts Explorer fitted with NVG for night ops
Source: Thsi is Scunthorpe, 26-Oct-10
It is fully equipped with night vision goggle capability, the MD 902 Explorer would be able to fly in the dark – something the current model is unable to do.
UK: Concern South Yorkshire Police helicopter ‘could be scrapped’
Source: BBC, 22-Oct-10
The detailed plans would take away the air base which we currently have at Sheffield, and they would then get our service from bases in West Yorkshire, Humberside or Derbyshire.
UK: Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance get planning approval for 24 hour operations
Source: BBC, 21-Oct-10
The air ambulance service covering Kent, Surrey and East and West Sussex has been given the go-ahead to operate 24 hours a day.
MD Helicopters and Allegheny LifeFlight at AMTC 2010
Source: MD Helicopters, 20-Oct-10
MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) joined with Allegheny General Hospital’s LifeFlight at this year’s Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Allegheny General Hospital’s LifeFlight had on display its MD Explorer which they use to provide regional emergency helicopter and critical care ground transportation services for critically ill and injured patients who need immediate [...]
