369FF AMENDED TYPE CERTIFICATION AWARDED FOR MD HELICOPTERS’ GLASS COCKPIT

MDHI’S COCKPIT MODERNIZATION PROGRAM LEAPS FORWARD WITH FAA TYPE CERTIFICATION OF ADVANCED, ALL-GLASS COCKPIT

DELIVERIES OF MDHI’S NEWLY CERTIFIED COCKPIT ALREADY UNDERWAY

Mesa, Ariz., July 11, 2018

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces FAA-approval of its advanced, all-glass cockpit for the MD 530F (type certificate 369FF). Approved for production and as a type design option, this is the third glass cockpit certification MDHI has received in the last year.

“My commitment to delivering next generation technologies that are both design and function-forward is unwavering,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “My team has embraced this commitment, and with flawless execution has delivered a glass cockpit that rises head-and-shoulders above other cockpit solutions in its class; in both capability and aesthetic.”

MD Helicopters completed all FAA certification requirements for the updated MD 530F glass-cockpit in early June 2018. After a thorough review by the FAA, Type Certification was granted on June 14. MDHI’s newest single-engine all-glass cockpit features:

• Howell Instruments Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert System (EICAS)
• Garmin G500[H] TXi Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIS) with Touchscreen GDU 700P PFD/MFD
• Garmin GTN 650 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS
• Optional L-3 ESI 500 Electronic Standby Instrument 

Efforts to obtain type design certification for this cockpit configuration for remaining MD Helicopters single-engine models is ongoing. In 2017, MDHI previously certified similar all-glass cockpits for both the MD 530F and the MD 600N.  

Deliveries of the first production aircraft to feature this all-new cockpit have already started, with initial aircraft earmarked for the U.S. Army and Afghan Air Force as well as Virginia Beach Police Department.

“I am very proud of my MD team for achieving this milestone,” Tilton concludes. “Along with not less than five other active certification efforts, this talented team never lost focus. Because of their precision execution, MD Helicopters’ operators will see an accelerating pace of innovations and upgrades across our entire fleet of iconic aircraft.”

MD HELICOPTERS ANNOUNCES FLIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY, EXPANDING INDUSTRY-LEADING MAINTENANCE AND PILOT TRAINING FOR ALL CUSTOMERS

Mesa, Ariz., July 11, 2018

As part of a growing commitment to deliver full-service, full life-cycle support programs for its growing global fleet, MD Helicopters, Inc.(MDHI) announces the formation of the MDHI Flight Training Academy. Established to provide industry-leading maintenance and pilot training to all customers in a professional learning environment, MD Helicopters has expanded its current training offerings to include a more comprehensive portfolio focused on mission execution, effectiveness and safety.

“We understand that comprehensive, well-executed training is the key to efficient operation and successful mission execution,” said Andy Pillado, Vice President, Commercial & Military Sales and Marketing for MD Helicopters, Inc. “In an effort to meet our customers’ growing need for specialized, mission-specific training, we have expanded our already comprehensive catalog to include a robust offering of mission-focused courses, each tailored to meet specific operational requirements.”

Examples of courses developed to meet the ever-expanding airborne public safety landscape include:

• Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
• Search & Rescue (SAR)
• Long Line Operations (Cargo Sling, Fire Bucket, etc.)
• Alternate Insertion/Extraction Methods
• Confined Area/High Altitude/Mountain Operations
• Low level & Formation Operations
• K-9 Operations

“As one of our legacy markets, we are particularly excited to introduce mission-specific training for our law enforcement and public safety operators,” Pillado continues. “The MD 530F, in particular, has been a mainstay of global law enforcement operators for decades. It is long overdue that we build out our training programs to include these specialized options. I’m excited for what these courses will do to help expand the mission window for our operators.” 

All classes incorporate safety, crew resource management and other air crew considerations, and include classroom instruction as well as flight time. Developed to create proficient aircrew and maintenance personnel that will enhance an operator’s aviation capability, readiness, and safety, courses can be conducted at the MDHI Training Center in Mesa, Arizona using MDHI-owned aircraft, or on-location at the customer’s site using customer-owned aircraft.

MDHI Pilot Trainers have a combined 200+ years of flight experience and have amassed 64,000 flight hours in both commercial and military instruction.

Current and interested MDHI operators can learn more about the MDHI Flight Training Academy at the 2018 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Convention (APSCON), booth #449.

MDHI ANNOUNCES FAA-CERTIFIED MD 530F ALL-GLASS COCKPIT, SPECIALTY TRAINING COURSES, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN AFTERMARKET AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAMS AT APSCON 2018

FEATURING THE HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MD 530F, MDHI’S APSCON 2018 PARTICIPATION WILL FOCUS ON PRODUCT AND PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS AND EXPANDED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces its participation in the 2018 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Convention (APSCON), July 11 -13, 2018 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. The MDHI display will be anchored by a stunning MD 530F operated by Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) based in nearby Cincinnati, OH.

HCSO is the most recent law enforcement agency to upgrade their proven fleet of MD 500E helicopters via the MDHI-exclusive E-to-F Conversion Program. To date, 23 E-model aircraft have been upgraded through this FAA-approved program; achieving improved performance, reduced operating costs, and sustained safety and reliability.

In addition to showcasing its flagship E-to-F Conversion Program, MDHI will use the APSCON 2018 platform to celebrate its many ongoing modernization and product development initiatives, expanded training offerings, and continued improvements in aftermarket and customer support programs.

“2018 marks our 50^th year of dedicated service to airborne law enforcement and public safety operations,” said Andy Pillado, Vice President, Commercial & Military Sales and Marketing for MD Helicopters, Inc. “We are humbled by the loyalty these operators have shown our company and our aircraft, and we are committed to delivering excellence through all phases of acquisition, operation and ownership.”

Current and interested MDHI operators who visit the MDHI team at the 2018 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Convention (APSCON), booth #447, will be able to learn more about the following offerings: 

Certified Glass Cockpits

Advanced, all-glass cockpits have been type certified for production and as type-design options for both the MD 600N and MD 530F. Certification efforts are ongoing for the company’s other single-engine models. The MD 530F Helicopter single-engine glass cockpit features:

• Howell Instruments Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert System (EICAS)
• Garmin G500[H] TXi Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIS) with Touchscreen GDU 700P PFD/MFD
• Garmin GTN 650 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS
• Optional L-3 ESI 500 Electronic Standby Instrument 

Law Enforcement & Public Safety-focused Training Courses

In addition to updating an already comprehensive commercial training catalog, MD Helicopters has expanded its curriculum to include a robust offering of mission-focused courses. Available exclusively through MD Helicopters’ Mesa, Arizona-based Training Academy, certified instructors will deliver classroom and hands-on training that incorporates safety, crew resource management and other air crew considerations.

Examples of courses developed specifically to meet the ever-expanding airborne public safety landscape include:

• Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
• Search & Rescue (SAR)
• Alternate Insertion/Extraction Methods
• Confined Area/High Altitude/Mountain Operations
• K-9 Operations

Aftermarket & Customer Support Programs

The MD Helicopters Aftermarket and Customer Support teams continue to focus on innovation and responsiveness. Both the easy-to-use MyMD.aero customer portal and the newly established Aftermarket Center of Excellence (ACE) have played integral roles in ensuring optimal operational readiness for the global fleet of MDHI-brand helicopters.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for MD Helicopters. We are a company in the midst of tremendous and aggressive growth, and our future has never looked brighter,” Pillado concludes. “Our team is growing in all areas, production is increasing to meet a growing backlog, and certification efforts for a wide range of technologies are accelerating. It is truly a great time to be part of the MDHI family.”  

MD HELICOPTERS’ SINGLE-ENGINE BLOCK 1 GLASS COCKPIT UPGRADE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES CRITICAL FAA MILESTONE

MD HELICOPTERS’ FIRST ALL-GLASS COCKPIT COMPLETES TIA; REMAINS ON TRACK TO RECEIVE FAA APPROVAL FOR A 600N TYPE CERTIFICATE AMENDMENT

MD Helicopters, Inc.  (MDHI) announces successful completion of all FAA Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) requirements for certification of its first all-glass cockpit for the MD 600N. The MD 600N is the first of the company’s four (4) single-engine models to feature the Block 1 cockpit upgrade and complete TIA. With the successful completion of the TIA milestone, MDHI remains on track to receive FAA approval for a 600N Type Certificate amendment this summer. 

MD Helicopters announced a comprehensive cockpit modernization effort at the 2017 HAI Heli-Expo in Dallas, Texas. Together with industry-leaders Aspen Avionics and Howell Instruments, MDHI’s Integrated Product Team was able to help secure TSO for the new cockpit components, paving the way for an accelerated review and approval process.

“It is a truly an exciting time at MD Helicopters,” said Craig Kitchen, Chief Commercial Officer for MD Helicopters. “Inspired by the vision of the CEO, our internal teams have never been more aligned or more focused on ensuring our operators fly not only the safest aircraft in their class, but the most advanced.”

Concurrent to the MD 600N effort, MD Helicopters is also integrating the Block 1 cockpit into the MD 530F. FAA review and approval for a Type Certificate change for new 369FF models is expected later this summer.

MD Helicopters’ standard single-engine glass cockpit will feature:

• Howell Instruments Electronic Flight Instrument System
• Garmin G500 (GDU620) PFD/MFD
• Garmin GTN 650 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS
• L-3 ESI 500 Electronic Standby Instrument

Previously announced sales to Sapura Aero (MD 600N), Fresno County Sherriff’s Office (MD 530F), and Prince George’s County Police Department (MD 520N) will all be delivered with the Block 1 glass cockpit.

Mike Bartlett, Vice President of Product Engineering for MD Helicopters commented, “Professionalism, teamwork and subject matter expertise has been the cornerstone of this modernization effort. We have cultivated a genuine symbiotic relationship between our internal engineering, experimental flight test, and certification organizations, our industry partners, and the FAA that has played an integral role in expediting both the development and the certification effort for this production modification.”  

“This was an aggressive schedule that demanded clear and open communication both internally and with the FAA,” said Richard Beausoleil, Director of Engineering Services for MD Helicopters, Inc. “We are pleased with how this program is progressing through FAA certification, and have benefitted significantly from our great working relationship with the FAA through every phase of this project.”

“Our single-engine operators will love the new cockpit,” Kitchen concludes. “Regardless of the mission, the Block 1 glass system is a safe, affordable solution that reduces pilot workload and improves overall operational efficiency in even the most demanding environments.”

All MDHI single engine Type Certificates – to include 600N, 369FF, 520N and 369E – are anticipated to meet all documentation, testing and FAA review requirements for Type Certificate amendment within 12-months.