Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) today announced that the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department has validated the MD 900 Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) Supplemental Type Certificate, clearing the way for installation of IBFs on MD 900 Series helicopters in Hong Kong.

Heliservices (HK) LTD operates a fleet of three MD 902s and has already equipped one with an IBF; the two other aircraft will also have IBFs installed soon, according to Engineering Manager Bobby Gimber.  The aircraft fly a variety of missions — from sightseeing tours over the skyscrapers of Hong Kong to aerial filming, geographical survey mapping and under slung load lifting, and engine protection is essential, Gimber said.

“The operating environment in Hong Kong can be demanding of the airframe and engines, particularly during summer months when the temperature and humidity are exceptionally high, the air salt laden, not to mention a degree of pollution containing particulates and airborne substances that can lead to corrosion and erosion of mechanical components,” he said.  “We had also experienced a couple of FOD (Foreign Object Debris) ingestion incidences and clearly needed a more effective engine intake filtration solution to ensure complete ongoing protection of our engines.  I have used the Donaldson IBF System previously and know how effective the filtration system can be once implemented.  It was clear to us that the IBF System suited our requirements, in that respect the decision to implement the Donaldson IBF System into the Heliservices fleet was an easy one.”

“Donaldson is pleased to once again expand the reach of our IBF Systems and bring superior engine protection to MD 900 Series operators in Hong Kong,” said Lars Hesbjerg, Global Director of Sales for Donaldson Aerospace & Defense. “We are also pleased to partner with Heliservices to introduce IBF protection to the region.”

Filtration experts from Donaldson Aerospace & Defense will be available to meet with visitors in Exhibit C1736 during HAI HELI-EXPO 2018, Feb. 27-March 1 in Las Vegas. A variety of products will be on display. These include IBF systems for AW189, AW139, AW109, AS350, R66, Bell 505, and Bell 407 helicopters.