[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, and the Air Operations Unit of Britain’s West Yorkshire Police have announced that the MD Explorer helicopter, serial number 078 has extended its record for flight hours to 13,000 as of January 24th of this year, while celebrating it’s 10th anniversary of operation on February 13, 2011.  By reaching the 13,000 flight-hour mark, the West Yorkshire Police’s MD Explorer has exceeded all other MD Explorers in the fleet.

The Air Operations Unit, Operations Support Division of the West Yorkshire Police uses the MD Explorer to provide 24/7 police coverage over a 785 square mile area, completing over 4,500 missions a year.  Frequent usage includes tracking down offenders, drug enforcement checks, locating vulnerable missing persons and stolen vehicles.  The average response time for all missions is approximately five minutes.

Writing about the aircraft, Unit Executive Officer John Whittaker said, “We took delivery of ship 078 in 2000 and after role fitting went operationally live on 13 February 2001.  G-YPOL, as we refer to SN78, has always performed to the highest level and proved to be a very popular aircraft with all our pilots and crew.  We keep asking for more and G-YPOL simply just delivers.  She has met every challenge asked of her.”

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada 207E engines with 720 shaft horsepower per engine, the MD Explorer has the highest payload in the light-twin class.  With a maximum gross weight of 6,500 pounds (2948 kg), it boasts exceptional power for take-off and landing on elevated platforms.  The Category A rating allows for continuity of takeoff with safe return to the takeoff point in the event of a failure of one of its engines.

The NOTAR® system makes the MD Explorer the quietest and safest helicopter in its class.  The MD Explorer is certified by the FAA, China’s CAAC,  Russia’s MAK, Brazil’s ANAC and Europe’s EASA for Category A and single pilot instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.