2-Oct-2014Source: US DoD
MD Helicopters, Inc., Mesa, Arizona was awarded a not to exceed $44,200,000 firm-fixed-price, foreign military sales (Afghanistan) undefinitized contract action for the integration, testing, procurement, modification and installation of a weapon system onto the seventeen MD 530F aircraft. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2015. One... Read more
1-Oct-2014Source: US DoD
MD Helicopters, Inc., Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $35,670,600 modification (P00019) to firm-fixed-price contract W58RGZ-11-C-0070 to exercise an option to provide 12 rotary wing primary trainer MD 530F aircraft for the Afghan military. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2015. Foreign Military Sales funds in the... Read more
29-Sep-2014Source: US DoD
Erickson Helicopters, Inc., McMinnville, Oregon, is being issued a $7,004,248 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00033-13-C-8000) to exercise a 12-month option for the provision of ship-based and shore-rebased vertical replenishment and other rotary-wing logistic services. Services include search and rescue support; medical evacuations; passenger transfers; internal cargo movement; and dynamic interface testing in... Read more
29-Sep-2014
Precautionary night landing in Hamilton Road near Groves Road. It was determined that the helicopter had a faulty gauge.... Read more
19-Sep-2014Source: Law360
An Alabama federal judge on Wednesday unsealed a False Claims Act lawsuit brought by two MD Helicopters Inc. employees accusing the company and its CEO of overbilling the U.S. Army for helicopters that were purchased for foreign governments. See full story... Read more
11-Sep-2014Source: NPAS
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has awarded a five-year contract for airworthiness management, maintenance and parts to Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) for the 6 MD Explorer aircraft in the NPAS fleet. Under this agreement which starts on Wednesday 1 October, SAS will provide 5,400 hours of support per year – or 27,000 hours over... Read more
2-Sep-2014
Pilot Ron Chaplin injured when helicopter came down during low level powerline work... Read more
22-Aug-2014Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) announced the successful completion of Live Fire Qualification Exercises at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, for its new MD 530G Scout Attack Helicopter. The MD 530G was configured with the Moog Stores Management System (SMS), the Mace Aviation Extended Range Weapons Wing, FN Herstal Machine Gun Pods and Rocket Machine Pods, Dillon... Read more
19-Aug-2014
Crashed on powerline patrol, killing both on board – 51-year-old pilot Matthew Wallace of Hiram, Georgia and 63-year-old David Carson of Tuscaloosa, Alabama who was employed by Alabama Power.... Read more
11-Aug-2014
Helicopter crashed in pilot’s garden, ending up on its starboard side with significant damage. Pilot quoted by press as Dave Hansen, passengers as his wife and daughter. No injuries.... 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
3-Aug-2014
Emergency field landing at night. Press suggestion it may have run out of fuel... Read more
1-Aug-2014Source: Raytheon
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and MD Helicopters, Inc. successfully fired four TALON laser guided rockets from the MD 530G armed aerial scout (AAS) helicopter during a series of tests at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. “This test further demonstrates the maturity of the TALON Laser Guided Rocket weapon system as a complement to MD’s AAS platform,”... Read more
29-Jul-2014
Helicopter involved in underslung chainsaw operations, cutting back trees for a new bike track. Helicopter crashed into the trees. No immediate indication of cause. Pilot Leo Boucher seriously injured... 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
22-Jul-2014
Crashed during logging operations after tail hit a logging cable.... Read more
18-Jul-2014Source: Surtees Foundation
Motorsport Legend John Surtees OBE, has presented a £75,000 cheque to local charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, on behalf of the Henry Surtees Foundation. The presentation, which took place at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, was made to the Air Ambulance Chief Executive Adrian Bell; the money will be used for ‘High Fidelity Simulators’. Presented... Read more
18-Jul-2014Source: Precision Aviation Services
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, has selected Precision Aviation Services (PAS) of Peachtree City, GA, a Precision Aviation Group Company (PAG), to be an Authorized MD Helicopters Service Center. PAS is approved to provide airframe maintenance, component overhaul, and part and accessory sales to the operators of the... Read more
16-Jul-2014Source: Kings Avionics
Kings Avionics, Inc., a leader in avionics sales, installation, and service, announced today that it has completed and obtained certification on the first retrofit, slant-panel installation of the Garmin GTN 750 Navigator into an MD520N model helicopter. Certification was obtained via field approval from the Salt Lake City Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). The installation... Read more
14-Jul-2014
Substantially damaged when it turned over on landing. Pilot got out OK.... Read more
1-Jul-2014Source: NPAS
Brand new state-of-the-art camera and mission system equipment is being installed across a third of the National Police Air Service Fleet. The new equipment integrates a new high end camera with mission planning and mapping systems while retaining existing airframes with plenty of service life left. This enhancement will allow these aircraft to continue to... Read more
26-Jun-2014Source: Essex Air Ambulance
The Essex Air Ambulance Air Crew are now proud owners of state of the art boots thanks to the support of Magnum. Georgina Lees, UK PR & Communication Executive for Magnum, said: “As a company that provide the professional services with comfortable, resilient and certified footwear, Magnum are delighted to announce that we will be... Read more
25-Jun-2014Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has announced its operational plans during the Grand Départ when it is expecting to see an increase in its activity as well as busier operational periods. Yorkshire’s only emergency helicopter service has announced plans to operate a third aircraft for the week leading up to the Grand Départ as well... Read more
19-Jun-2014Source: London's Air Ambulance
World’s first pre-hospital REBOA carried out by London’s Air Ambulance Pioneering new technique to prevent trauma patients bleeding to death Control of severe pelvic haemorrhage, an injury most commonly associated with cycling incidents and falls from height 2 years of development with The Royal London Hospital Boris, “stunning advances in medical care are helping people... Read more
13-Jun-2014Source: Cornwall Air Ambulance
Local MPs have lent their support to a campaign for lifesaving improvements to landing facilities at the region’s Major Trauma Centre. Cornwall Air Ambulance took its campaign to Westminster on Monday 9th June at the annual reception of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Air Ambulances. Derriford Hospital is the region’s designated Major Trauma Centre... 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
8-Jun-2014Source: Cornishman
From December, the county will have two night-capable MD902s, and the charity is asking people and communities with potential sites to consider offering them. See full story... Read more
8-Jun-2014
Reported engine failure during night patrol – in ensuing hard landing the tail boom was broken. 2 POB not injured. Accident was around 1am... Read more
29-May-2014Source: Eye Witness News
A Zimbabwe court is due to hear a bail application today for two South African men arrested in Zimbabwe – See full story See also HeliHub.com accident report – 04-May-14 MD Helicopters MD500 West Nicholson, Zimbabwe... Read more
28-May-2014Source: Yorkshire Air ambulance
The emergency rapid response charity – which operates two MD902 Explorer helicopters – has revised all its operator manuals to meet new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements that come into force on October 28. It now becomes just the third out of nearly 70 UK operators to be awarded a new Air Operators Certificate... Read more
4-May-2014
Helicopter crashed and owner Frikkie Lutzkie arranged for wreckage to be buried. Certain aspects of press reports (including date) do not tie up – but read reports of this accident in conjunction with another incident from May 2012 relating to another helicopter and the same owner... 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
29-Apr-2014Source: Magpas
Magpas is pleased to announce that it has joined the Association of Air Ambulances (AAA), which represents the majority of Air Ambulance operations in the UK following meeting the necessary membership criteria and agreeing to abide by the AAA’s Code of Conduct. Full, Associate or Affiliate members can access a tailor made range of benefits,... Read more
29-Apr-2014
FAA: “Went into an embankment and rolled onto its side”. One TV station reported it as a hard landing during a mission aimed at livestock predator control.... Read more
27-Apr-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Hong Kong operator Heliservices will soon take delivery of their second MD Explorer. The aircraft has been bought from Swiss operator Fuchs Helicopter, leaving them without a twin-engined helicopter – at least in the short term. Heliservices is moving to a twin-engined fleet as their Lamas are gradually retired and the local CAA stopped them... Read more
27-Apr-2014
Crashed on take-off, hit ground hard and rolled over. THe helicopter appears to have lost its anti-torque system, causing it to start to spin as it lifted off. Significantly damaged. One of three POB airflifted to hospital... Read more
21-Apr-2014Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, the Arizona, USA-headquartered manufacturer of a range of multi mission helicopters is marking 15 years of rotary sales activity in the Asian region by exhibiting for the first time at this year’s Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition, ABACE 2014, currently taking place in Shanghai. Booth P708. MD Helicopters is promoting its complete range... 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
1-Apr-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Now that we are past the notional mid-day cut-off in Europe and east coast USA for 1st April pranks, it’s time for us to come clean and confirm this was not a true story – although given our inbox, Twitter etc, there were certainly some people who believed it. The clues were there to be... Read more
27-Mar-2014Source: EHAAT
People living and working in Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas now benefit from an extended service by the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust. During the hours of darknesson Friday and Saturday nights a specialist Doctor/Paramedic Team will respond to patients via a dedicated fast response car. It is very apparent that people become critically ill or injured... Read more
24-Mar-2014Source: Bidtech
Bidtech launched the Bidtech Challenge on the 1st of February 2014. The aim of the ongoing project is to give charities the chance to use digital fundraising tools at their events. Bidtech are excited to announce the first two charities that will receive our fundraising event service for free are London’s Air Ambulance and T2T2T... Read more
21-Mar-2014Source: Arizona Daily Star
The Justice Department is investigating a flamboyant Wall Street financier who won millions of dollars in military contracts and then hired the Army officer who allegedly steered the money her way. see full story HeliHub.com is not responsible for the content of external stories such as the one we are highlighting here... Read more
20-Mar-2014Source: London's Air Ambulance
Commenting on the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer today that London’s Air Ambulance is to be awarded £1 million to enable the charity to operate a second helicopter covering the capital, Chief Executive Officer, Graham Hodgkin said: “This is fantastic news for the people of London as it is thanks to their support... Read more
11-Mar-2014Source: London’s Air Ambulance
Their Royal Highnesses (TRH) The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited London’s Air Ambulance today as part of a tour around two charities supported by the Wessex Youth Trust (“the Trust”) on the Earl’s 50th Birthday. TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex awarded London’s Air Ambulance a grant for over £10,000 in November 2013 towards paediatric training manikins through the Trust . Chief... Read more
26-Feb-2014Source: PAS MRO
PAS MRO has been approved by MD Helicopters as a repair source for anti-friction bearings for the MD Helicopter fleet. PAS MRO’s provides Level I (inspection) and Level II (overhaul) repair of anti-friction bearings for airframe, accessory & engines. The MDHI approval encompasses airframe and accessory bearing inspection, repair and overhaul. The MD Helicopter approval... Read more
26-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 that the Bolivian Ministry of the Interior has placed orders for two MD 530F aircraft. The aircraft will be operated by the Bolivian National Police to provide additional airborne security for the Ministry of 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 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-2014
Today, MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) released details of its new MD 530G armed aerial scout helicopter. The MD 530G is the latest in a lineage that spans more than 50 years of scout attack evolution. The journey began in 1963 with the introduction of the legendary OH-6A by Hughes Aircraft Division. In 1985, the performance... 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
25-Feb-2014Source: Phoenix Heliparts
Modification and Integration specialist, Phoenix Heliparts has contracted with a California pilot for a total refurbishment and upgrade of an MD530F helicopter, including a complete digital avionics package and modern interior. It will then be populated, painted and made ready for delivery in September. The latest full-scale airframe refurbishment and complete avionics modernization is for... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: Phoenix Heliparts
Phoenix Heliparts, of Mesa, Arizona, has reinforced its relationship with RSG Products, of Fort Worth, to add to its supplier role for Supplemental Type Certificates. This move adds the MD369 helicopter to its list of approved installations, and covers the installation of Vapor Cycle Air Conditioning units, offered as an amendment to RSG’s existing STC... Read more
24-Feb-2014Source: Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics introduces one of its flagship features of the new avionics package in the redesigned Next Generation MD Explorer, a cursor control for the advanced display system as an integrated part of the collective. This “point and click” philosophy brings some of the most advanced technology in the market into the flight deck of... Read more
23-Feb-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The HeliHub.com team have produced the following list of the helicopters at the Heli-Expo 2014 convention in Anaheim, California. This is a “work in progress” story, which we will update regularly, so please check back if there is a detail here currently incomplete. As news stories emerge relating to particular aircraft, we will annotate the story... Read more
23-Feb-2014Source: Air Rescue Systems
Air Rescue Systems Corp. (ARS) is proud to debut our MD 902 Explorer, allmission platform, as the latest addition to our fleet. The 902 will be center stage at MDHI’s Heli-Expo booth. The new aircraft is equipped as single pilot IFR and NVG. It’s outfitted for medevac, rescue hoist and FAST rope/Heli-Rappel ops. This platform... Read more
19-Feb-2014Source: London’s Air Ambulance
The Institute of Pre-Hospital Care at London’s Air Ambulance (“The Institute”), and Queen Mary University of London’s Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (“QMUL”) have partnered to create the UK’s first Intercalated BSc degree in Pre-Hospital Medicine. Pre-hospital medicine is an innovative and growing field that is now recognised as a sub-specialty... Read more
6-Feb-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Four months after partner city Glendale signed it off, the City of Burbank Council last week confirmed their part of it as well. The proposal to Glendale Council had quoted a total cost of $2,712,980 while the equivalent paperwork from Burbank refers to $2,623,055 – for completeness, these figures need 9% sales tax added. The quoted figure... Read more
5-Feb-2014Source: HTC
Hughes/MDHI Model 369, 500, and 600 owners and operators: You are invited to attend a Technical Briefing hosted by Helicopter Technology Company (HTC, see Booth 4526) covering Rotor Track and Balance, Vibration Troubleshooting, and Ride Quality Assessment. The Briefing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, from 1:30-3:30 pm in the Anaheim Convention Center, Room 207-A. Emphasis is... Read more
3-Feb-2014
General media reported that pilot had tail rotor issue on take-off, and helicopter started to spin out of control. In subsequent heavy landing, helicopter rolled over onto its side. 3 POB to hospital – pilot Allon Francisco Herrera, 56, the copilot, Gadea Sebastian Castro, 27, and an official of the Election Authorities, Adriana Solis Vega, 26... Read more
3-Feb-2014
Tail struck ground during autorotation training... Read more
27-Jan-2014
Shortly after takeoff the pilot experienced yaw control difficulties, resulting in the loss of control of the helicopter and a subsequent crash landing. The pilot escaped with minor injuries. In the absence of any mechanical abnormalities, the most likely cause of the accident is a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Amid lots of fanfare, MD Helicopters held a ceremony on 3rd January 2014 to officially hand over twelve MD530F and two MD Explorers to the Kurdistan Regional Government. All fourteen aircraft were presented carrying FAA “N” registrations. The twelve MD530F aircraft are painted in either a red or a blue scheme, and all carry POLICE... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: BBC
It will be used by the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, and has been fitted with lights so the helicopter can take off at night. See full story... Read more
24-Jan-2014Source: London’s Air Ambulance
London’s Air Ambulance has formed a two-year strategic partnership with VocaLink, who will provide the charity with financial and resource support. Launching the partnership, the UK and international payments provider is assessing the ways in which to enhance the donation systems and the associated technologies used by the charity. Graham Hodgkin, CEO of London’s Air... Read more
14-Jan-2014Source: LNAA
The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance is now available to offer crucial emergency support in the winter rush hours – something it has not been able to do in the past. Last week the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance have gone live with their night flying operations, they have performed a number of airlifts after... Read more
10-Jan-2014Source: Londons Air Ambulance
London’s Air Ambulance, the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London, celebrates 25 years of service on 9th January 2014. Having treated over 30,000 critically injured patients in London and attended most major incidents, since inception, the charity relies heavily on the generosity of the people of London to... Read more
3-Jan-2014Source: West Yorkshire Police
A police helicopter based in West Yorkshire has had a makeover as it flies the colours of the National Police Air Service (NPAS). NPAS provides a national, borderless service making use of the nearest aircraft meaning that the police service’s response is, in many cases, enhanced over previous provision. The underlying principle of the service... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: KSS Air Ambulance
Life-saving charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance yesterday (Wednesday) became the first air ambulance in the country to launch a 24-hour Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) following three years of research and preparatory work. Up until recently, and unlike the rest of Europe, the service could only fly by daylight and so traditionally operated... Read more
17-Dec-2013
French pilot Frederick Coupe slightly injured. Skid collapsed (on landing?). Helicopter was involved in powerline cleaning operations... Read more
15-Dec-2013
A Hughes 500 helicopter flying between the Greenstone Valley and Dumpling Hut crashed at Glade Burn in steep and rugged terrain in poor weather. Police confirmed that sole occupant pilot Bruce Andrews died in the accident... 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
9-Dec-2013Source: Quest Aviation Solutions
Hard on the heels of a successful Dubai Air Show, Quest Aviation Solutions announces it is broadening its relationship with MD Helicopters and effective immediately will take on sales of its Multi Mission family of helicopters in both India and China. Quest will support India and China from its sales offices in Bangalore and Beijing.... Read more
6-Dec-2013
Force landing during animal capture operation... Read more
5-Dec-2013Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that MD Helicopters has awarded them a contract to begin development of a new cargo hook system for the MD Explorer® line of twin engine helicopters. The new cargo hook system will feature Onboard’s TALON® LC Hydraulic cargo hook and include a built-in Onboard Weighing... Read more
27-Nov-2013Source: EHAAT
The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust Flight for Life Lottery is now more popular than ever, reaching the highest number of members in its 15 year history! A record breaking 107,000 chances are now being played across Essex and Herts all helping to keep your local Air Ambulances operational and saving lives across both... Read more