18-Apr-2024Source: HeliHub.com
The City of Riverside in California has recently listed two MD500Es on the GovDeals auction site. The pair have been replaced by Airbus H125 helicopters, which were delivered in summer 2023. One 500E of the pair being auctioned is a 2008 model with 8,996 airframe hours and 18,693 engine hours, while the second is an... Read more
29-Feb-2024Source: Axxeum
Axxeum, Inc. (“Axxeum”) announced that they have secured an order from Apex Heli-Support of Phoenix, Arizona for their first E to F Conversion at Axxeum’s Authorized MD Service Center in Huntsville, Alabama. On Monday MD Helicopters (“MDH”) announced their decision to certify Axxeum to conduct E to F Conversions at their Part 145 Repair Station.... Read more
15-May-2023Source: Trakka Systems
Trakka Systems announces Total Mission Solutions Package for Pomona Police Department. Trakka’s unparalleled surveillance package consists of the TrakkaCam TC-300 EO/IR, gyro-stabilized, compact multi-sensor surveillance camera, the sophisticated multispectral TrakkaBeam TLX Searchlight, and TrakkaMaps TM-100 Moving Maps and Video Management System. The Pomona Police Department MD-500E helicopter assists ground units in performing routine patrols, surveillance missions, search... Read more
27-Apr-2023Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters (MDH) (AAAA Booth #2911) has increased parts availability for new and currently operating MDH aircraft through multiple long-term supplier agreements worth a total of $17.4 million. Suppliers with these agreements include L3Harris, Rohde & Schwarz, Kinetic Defense Manufacturing, Yankee Casting, Liquid Measurement Systems, and FN Herstal, with more in process with Moog, Dillon Precision, and... Read more
13-Dec-2022Source: MD Helicopters
The following is a press release from MD Helicopters where they confirm the story we ran two weeks previously. MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) is pleased to announce the Atlanta Police Department has signed a USD$10 million purchase agreement for two MD 530F helicopters. Additionally, the department signed an agreement to convert one of its... Read more
28-Nov-2022Source: HeliHub.com
The City of Atlanta has signed off the paperwork at a City Council meeting earlier this month with a commitment of $10,445,227 to the future fleet of its Police Department This figure includes two new MD530FF helicopters from MD Helicopters, and the upgrade of the City’s current MD500E (pictured) to 530FF standard. Standardising the fleet... Read more
14-Jul-2022Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today that the company has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification to install a new “slimline” advanced glass cockpit that modernizes the MD500E platform for increased visibility and field of view. The slimline cockpit is now standard in all new MD500E aircraft and includes four inches of additional visibility on... Read more
10-Mar-2022Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) has entered an exclusive five-year maintenance agreement with Houston Police Department to perform drive train component maintenance for the department’s eight MD 500E helicopters. “MD Helicopters has a long and sustained history of delivering the proven capabilities and technically advanced helicopters modern law enforcement requires to protect its citizens while ensuring safety for its officers,”... Read more
9-Mar-2022Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), booth #9554 at HAI HELI-EXPO 2022, is presenting a HELI-EXPO show offer on MDHI’s long standing E-to-F conversion program. Customers can lock in pricing and receive part and service credit with this offer. Following a strict FAA-approved process, the E-to-F conversion upgrades an MD 500E helicopter to an FAA-certified MD530F model.... Read more
11-Nov-2021Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is excited to announce that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Campus student Brandon Hutchins was selected as the 2021 recipient of the MD 500 Transition Training Scholarship valued at approximately $12,000. The MD 500E Transition Training Scholarship was developed to support the next generation of rotorcraft pilots. Over the scholarship’s 10-year history, MD... Read more
1-Dec-2020Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) has completed a contract to upgrade an MD 500E helicopter to an FAA-certified MD 530F model aircraft as part of MDHI’s long standing E-to-F conversion program. “The E-to-F conversion program follows a strict, FAA-approved process,” says Nick Nenadovic, Vice President of Aftermarket and Customer Support for MD Helicopters, Inc. “Over eight to... Read more
4-Aug-2020Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces delivery of newly certified MD 530F to Wilson Construction. Wilson Construction, headquartered in Aurora, Oregon, upgraded one of its four MD 500E helicopters to an FAA-certified MD 530F model aircraft. An operator of MDHI-brand helicopters since 2005, Wilson Construction has delivered their hardworking E-model aircraft to be overhauled and recertified... Read more
11-Jul-2017Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is proud to announce a new agreement with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Cincinnati, Ohio, to upgrade its MD 500E helicopter to an FAA-certified MD 530F model helicopter. The E-model aircraft will be overhauled and re-certified as an F-model (Type Certificate 369FF) in just a period of a few weeks. The FAA-approved... Read more
5-May-2017Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is proud to announce a new agreement with the Columbus Division of Police, Columbus, Ohio, to upgrade its two (2) remaining MD 500E helicopters. The two E models will be overhauled and re-certified as F-models (Type Certificate 369FF) with zero-time engines in a period of just a few weeks. The FAA-approved... Read more
8-Apr-2016Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the delivery of a new MD 500E to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Enforcement. Announced in November 2015, the custom-built MD 500E was welcomed by Chief Pilot Tom Buker and Pilot Brad Maas on March 29 at MD Helicopters’ Mesa, Arizona headquarters. The new 500E... Read more
5-Jan-2016Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is pleased to announce an order by the Fresno County Sherriff’s Office, Fresno, California, for a new MD 530F. Unanimously approved by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors last week, the new MD 530F will deliver greater horsepower, increased payload capability, and reduced operating costs. Currently, Fresno County’s helicopter fleet includes... Read more
17-Dec-2015Source: ABC30
The department’s two MD500E helicopters were both built in 1991, purchased used in 1996 and have flown a combined total of more than 30,000 hours. Supervisor Brian Pacheco said the terrorist threat was a reason for his support. “I believe the events of the past week show that we need to have our best and... Read more
5-Nov-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the purchase of a new MD 500E by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Enforcement. The custom-built MD 500E will perform a variety of missions in support of the DNR’s responsibility to manage natural lands, maintain healthy wildlife populations, and support law enforcement, firefighting and general... Read more
20-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co registered serial number 0690 on 9th October (it’s N959BC, if you want to check). This is a landmark achievement in the five-seat single-turbine world as it is the point where the total passes the production to date of the EC120 (now H120). See also our comparison article between these two types from... Read more
2-Oct-2015Source: MD Helicopters
Gwinnett County MD 500E is the first of two aviation unit helicopters to get a make-over through the MDHI-exclusive, FAA-approved factory-recertification program Mesa, Ariz., September 30, 2015 – MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the delivery of a newly certified, zero-time MD 530F helicopter to the Gwinnett County Police Department. Previously operated as an MD... Read more
15-Sep-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the delivery and return to service of two (2) Columbus Police Department helicopters. Operated as MD 500E models since 2007, the two aircraft are rejoining the Columbus Aviation Unit as new, factory-built, FAA-certified F-models. In June of this year the Columbus Division of Police committed to a revitalization of... Read more
11-Sep-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the sale and delivery of a new MD 500ER single-engine helicopter to Bushveld Game Capture, Vryburg, South Africa. As South Africa’s premier provider of wildlife capture, purchasing, selling, transport, veterinary services, and the darting and counting of game by helicopter, Bushveld is expanding their helicopter fleet to more effectively... Read more
16-Jul-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces its participation in the 2015 Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA)Expo, July 15-17, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The MD Helicopters booth, #721, will feature one of eight (8) MD 500Es in active service with the Houston Police Department, along with industry-leading systems and components designed... Read more
15-Jun-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today an agreement with the Columbus Division of Police, Columbus, Ohio, to upgrade four of the Aviation Unit’s six MD 500E helicopters to new MD 530Fs. Available exclusively through the MD Helicopters factory, the E-to-F conversion allows MD 500E operators the option to factory-recertify their aircraft as a brand new... Read more
7-May-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today a new contract to manufacture and deliver a custom-configured MD 530F helicopter for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Aviation Unit. Acquisition of the MD 530F, the preferred helicopter for airborne law enforcement missions in hot and high environments, was approved by Metro’s Fiscal Affairs Committee on April 27.... Read more
28-Apr-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved an increased maximum gross weight of 6,770 pounds for the MD 900/902 Explorer. The extra 270 pound payload will allow operators in all market segments to expand the already superior mission capabilities of this versatile twin-engine aircraft. The FAA previously... Read more
19-Mar-2015Source: AJC
Gwinnett commissioners on Tuesday approved three contracts to replace both helicopters used by the police department’s aviation unit for less than half the cost of buying new ones. Both units date to the mid-1980s. See Full Story... Read more
5-Mar-2015Source: MD Helicopter
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) announced today a new contract to manufacture and deliver a new helicopter for the Mesa Police Department Aviation Unit. Acquisition of the new MD 530F was approved by the Mesa City Council as an addition to the Department’s existing helicopter fleet of two MD 500E turbine helicopters. The 530F is perfectly... Read more
5-Mar-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today a contract with Volusia County Mosquito Control, Volusia County, Florida, to manufacture and deliver a new MD 520N helicopter. The new MD 520N will join the Mosquito Control Unit’s two MD 500E helicopters to expand the department’s ability to inspect and treat the region’s wet and dry lands not... Read more
1-Mar-2015Source: Phoenix Heliparts
Phoenix Heliparts today announced the approval of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that allows installation of the Aspen Avionics Evolution Flight Display System in a range of MD Helicopters. The STC authorizes Phoenix Heliparts to install Aspen’s single- or dual-display Pilot, Pro 1000, Pro 1500 and Pro 2000 systems in MD 369, MD 530F, MD... Read more
15-Oct-2014Source: Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics and MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) are dedicated to delivering high-performance products that exceed customers’ expectations for quality, service and support. The Next Generation flight deck for the MD Explorer is no exception; the two companies have partnered to bring the most advanced technology into the flight deck of the world-renown and redesigned light-twin... Read more
14-Oct-2014Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) today announced a new contract to build and deliver a specially equipped MD 500E helicopter to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Aviation Unit. The preferred helicopter for airborne law enforcement missions, the MD 500E delivers the highest speed, payload and productivity in its class. “We look forward to welcoming... Read more
8-Oct-2014Source: GDP
For nearly 40 years, a different kind of police unit has patrolled Gwinnett County. See Full Story... Read more
8-Aug-2014Source: The State
South Carolina’s law enforcement agency is asking permission to buy a new two-passenger helicopter that can assist with state and local investigations. “See Full Story“... Read more
5-Aug-2014Source: HeliHub.com
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (or SLED as it’s known locally) has put in a request for a new MD500E. As explained in the agenda for yesterday’s meeting released very recently, SLED currently operates a 1964 UH-1H, a 1968 OH-6A and two MD500Es from 1987 and 1989. Their aim in buying a new aircraft is... Read more
24-Jul-2014Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, held a ceremonial delivery of a new MD 500E helicopter for the Polk County Florida Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). The acceptance took place at the MD Helicopters booth, where the aircraft was proudly displayed at the Airborne... Read more
9-Jun-2014Source: SF Gate
Oakland’s Police Department is asking the City Council to set aside $397,000, starting July 1, to double the amount of time – from eight to 16 hours a week See full story. Oakland Police fly an MD Helicopters 500E registration N510PD.... Read more
3-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
As part of their fleet upgrade, the Puerto Rico Police retained their Bell 407 (to add to their new Bell helicopters) and disposed of the remainder of the fleet. This entailed selling three MD Helicopters MD500E aircraft, one built in 1985 and the other two from the factory 1992:- N5231G – serial 0120E N127PD –... Read more
10-Apr-2014Source: G&G Aviation
MD Helicopters Inc. has appointed G&G Aviation of Rome, as its italian sales representative for its entire range of single and twin engine helicopters. Based in Mesa, Arizona (U.S.A.) MD Helicopters current product range inherited the design and experience started over 50 years ago by Hughes with civil and military light helicopters like the Hughes... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced today that Nome, Alaska-based Bering Air took delivery of a new MD 500E helicopter. Bering Air is one of the largest rotary wing fleet operators in Western Alaska. Their new MD 500E will provide support for the... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced today that Shandong Qi Xiang General Aviation Ltd (Qi Xiang GA) and Avion Pacific Ltd (Avion), MD Helicopters’ sales distributer in China, reached an agreement on an order for a new 500E helicopter. The aircraft... Read more
12-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The GSA auction site – run by the US General Services Administration department – is currently listing four MD500E helicopters, all of which have operated for the US Department of Homeland Security. The four are N5247S built 1985 MSN 0119E – sale ref 91QSCI14180501 N91620 built 1996 MSN 0529E – sale ref 91QSCI14181501 N7166M built 1985 MSN... Read more
18-Nov-2013Source: Quest Aviation Solutions
Dubai-based Quest Aviation Solutions has been appointed exclusive sales distributor for MD Helicopters’ multi mission product range of helicopters in the UAE. The deal was announced on the opening day of the 2013 Dubai Air Show. Quest’s territory will cover the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras-al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Quest Aviation... Read more
6-Oct-2013Source: Ruag Aviation
RUAG Aviation has been officially authorised to perform the full range of maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) and upgrade services for the McDonnell Douglas MD 500, MD 600 and MD 900 helicopter series. The Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE) rating was received in June 2013 and covers services for the MD 500E, MD 520N, MD 530E, MD... Read more
25-Jun-2013
Emergecny landing after reportedly losing power. Boom separate from cabin, which ended up on its side. 3 POB to hospital... Read more
24-Jun-2013Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), congratulates long-time customer PJ Helicopters for developing world-class precision-lift services over its more than 40 years of operations. The success of Red Bluff, Calif.-based PJ Helicopters is supported by Donaldson’s Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems. The IBFs protect the safety, performance and reliability of seven turbine helicopter... Read more
7-Mar-2013Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced a new order for a MD 500E helicopter from the Polk County Florida Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). The new MD 500E is the first order in a program to replace an aging fleet of three military surplus OH58’s. “We are... Read more
30-Nov-2012
In addition to a new mobile equipment storage truck and armored vehicle, the St. Louis County Police Department has purchased a new helicopter for its Metro Air Support Division. (see full story) file photo... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: Daily Mail
MD500E owner Jeremy Paxton said: “The council says that landing on the turntable might damage the a tree, but I could land on that spot if the turntable was not there. Would I really want to land too close to a tree in a helicopter?” (see full story)... Read more
21-Sep-2012Source: Columbus Dispatch
Purchaser awarded C$380,000 in damages against City of Columbus over faults in a helicopter they sold in 2009. (see full story) HeliHub.com research suggests (but NOT confirmed) that the aircraft was serial 0540E, sold ex FAA registration N553CR to Canada in 2009 and first registered to Versatile Helicopters as C-FZHS. It has since been sold... Read more
18-Sep-2012Source: Aero Dynamix
Aero Dynamix announces the delivery of certified NVG cockpit upgrades for three MD500E helicopters operated by the Kansas City Police Department. These aircraft are the newest addition to the KCPD fleet of airborne law enforcement assets. The NVG upgrades encompass internal NVIS avionics modifications, edge lit panels, instrument overlays and all other internal and external... Read more
17-Sep-2012Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that MD Helicopters has recently performed the first installation of its redesigned attach point kit for the MD500 aircraft at their facility in Mesa, Arizona. Onboard’s updated MD500 attach point kit was developed with assistance from MD Helicopter’s engineers with the goal of providing MD operators with... Read more
16-Jul-2012Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial, military and law enforcement helicopters, today announced a new order for a 500E helicopter from the Metro Air Support Unit in St. Louis, Missouri. The order adds to the unit’s existing fleet of helicopters which includes three MD 500E models. “We are excited about the newest... Read more
26-Jun-2012
A blessing and dedication was held Thursday at the Lihu‘e Airport Heliport, officiated by Lady Ipo Kahaunaele-Ferreira of Ke Akua Mana Church. (see full story) The company’s website has a great page on its history – from which the following early photo comes – Jack Harter on the left in this shot standing next to... Read more
25-Jun-2012Source: Ahlers Aerospace
Ahlers Aerospace has been selected by MD Helicopters as the supplier of the Engine Power Out Monitor (EPO) for the 369E, 369FF, and the 500N. Ahlers designs and manufactures new instruments and electronic devices for the aviation industry. Ahlers is also a certified repair station for instruments and accessories. For more information contact Ahlers at... Read more
12-Jun-2012Source: InsideCostaRica.com
Previously, the Costa Rica Police only used their two MD500Es for surveillance tasks. Now they have extended their role to chases. (see full story)... Read more
31-May-2012Source: Oakland Tribune
Oakland police lauded Fueling California on Wednesday after the nonprofit donated $10,000 worth of fuel to power their helicopters. (see full story)... Read more
21-Oct-2011Source: Reading Post
MD500E owner Jeremy Paxton can use his revolving helicopter pad for ‘recreational sumo wrestling’ but not landing his helicopter, say council planners. Mr Paxton built the revolving pad in his garden so he could rotate his helicopter and take off into the wind, but did so without planning permission and had to apply to the... Read more
26-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Police in California’s Disneyland city of Anaheim have put the oldest of their four helicopters up for auction on the internet, whcih ends on 17th June. A 1989 build MD500E N1607A with over 20,700 airframe hours has been put on the PublicSurplus.com website with a starting bid of $150K. The City expects $600-700K proceeds... Read more
11-May-2011Source: KTVU
Budget cuts grounded the Oakland Police Department’s helicopter almost two years ago, but the OPD chopper has been cleared to take to the air to once again help fight crime in the city.... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: Stuff
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.... Read more
19-Jan-2011Source: Living Legends of Aviation
Lynn Tilton, founder and CEO of private equity firm Patriarch Partners, LLC (“Patriarchâ€) 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... Read more
19-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
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 Yearâ€. Ms.... Read more
21-Mar-2010Source: Houston Examiner
Police officers could be removed from the helicopter patrols that have long provided the eye in the sky for HPD officers on the ground, depending on the outcome of a study now commissioned by Houston’s new mayor.... Read more
1-Nov-2009Source: Tulsa World
Because of budget cuts, Saturday will be the last night either one of the two police helicopters will be flying in Tulsa for the foreseeable future.  Officials have said they will be saving $195,000 for the duration of the fiscal year by grounding the helicopters. The four officers assigned to the unit have been reassigned... Read more
22-Sep-2009Source: Vertical
MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) announced that it has received validation of Type Certification H3WE for the MD 500E®, the MD 530F® and the 520N® from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The MD 600N® and MD Explorer® were previously approved.... Read more
22-Sep-2009Source: Vertical
MD Helicopters held a special delivery ceremony at its Mesa, Arizona completion facility on August 31 to tender the keys to a brand new MD 500E Helicopter to the City of Columbus Police Department.... Read more
29-Jul-2009Source: Vertical
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22-Jun-2009Source: KITV
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