26-Oct-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the purchase of a new MD 530F by Two Bear Air Rescue in Whitefish, Montana. The custom MD 530F will perform a variety of missions in support of search and rescue teams in Flathead County and other agencies across the rural and rugged landscape of Glacier National Park and... Read more
22-Oct-2015
A 55-year-old male pilot from Campbell River, B.C., and a 35-year-old male passenger from Prince Albert, Sask., were the only 2 POB when it crashed. They were pronounced dead at the scene. Helicopter was contracted by electric utility SaskPower to access and repair power poles and struck a powerline causing the aircraft to crash. Post crash... Read more
21-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has – as HeliHub.com predicted in February 2015 – started to retire the MD Explorer from law enforcement work in the UK skies in preference for the Airbus H135, H145 and some yet-to-be-delivered Vulcanair P68 fixed wing aircraft. Two Explorer airframes are already parked up pending disposal, with G-SYPS... 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
12-Oct-2015Source: LNAA
Today we can announce that we will be taking delivery of a new helicopter next summer, an AgustaWestland AW169, subject to satisfactory completion of contract negotiations. The AW169 aircraft will replace our current MD902 Explorer, which Specialist Aviation Services provides and operates on our behalf. Our CEO Peter Aldrick confirmed the charity’s decision on Wednesday... 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
30-Sep-2015Source: The New York Times
Col. Qalandar Shah Qalandari, Afghanistan’s most decorated pilot, recently took command of what was meant to be the building blocks of his country’s new air force: a squadron of shiny American-made attack helicopters, intended to solve the chronic lack of close air support for Afghan troops. See Full Story... Read more
27-Sep-2015
Encountered problem (variously reported, but likely a tail rotor problem) at low level while on powerline work. Crashed into residential area. Pilot injured, passenger seriously injured. Helicopter was intentionally equipped for powerline work (see this video)... Read more
25-Sep-2015Source: Hull Daily Mail
Humberside police and crime commissioner Matthew Grove says he will not sign over the force helicopter to a national scheme until he is assured the area will be sufficiently protected. See Full Story... 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
3-Sep-2015
Brian Hayes, Volusia County Mosquito Control’s chief pilot, was flying a routine larvae-cide mission when the helicopter crashed.... Read more
2-Sep-2015
Few details available, but helicopter crashed into the sea killing one and seriously injuring another.... Read more
27-Aug-2015Source: MD Helicopters
– MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the delivery of a new MD 520N single-engine helicopter to Volusia County Mosquito Control, Volusia County, Florida. The decision to acquire the new MD 520N to the Volusia County fleet was announced in March 2015 as an expansion of the department’s ability to inspect and treat the region’s... Read more
20-Aug-2015Source: HeliHub.com
With a figure of almost £4M so far raised towards a target of £6M, London’s Air Ambulance is doing well financially towards their second helicopter. Exactly what the monetary trigger point was we are not aware, but the organisation has clearly passed the “BUY” point and have completed on the purchase of a second MD... Read more
5-Aug-2015
Crashed into Beaver Lake while picking up water to fight a fire... Read more
4-Aug-2015
Substantially damaged in autorotation landing after pilot noticed a decrease in engine power... Read more
16-Jul-2015Source: Forbes
After more than 180 years building fire trucks, American LaFrance finally shuttered on a cold January day last year. The company’s approximately 150 employees, most at the main factory in the tiny South Carolina town of Moncks Corner, found out that same day that they no longer had a job. See full story... 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-Jul-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The London Evening Standard newspaper recently ran an article saying that their MD Explorer G-EHMS has been unavailable 50 days so far this year. As with many mainstream media, their level of accuracy is often in question when they attempt to write a story of a technical nature when the author has no experience of the... Read more
15-Jul-2015
MD Helicopters Inc.,* Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $13,172,766 firm-fixed-price foreign military sales contract (Afghanistan) for the procurement, installation, integration, testing, and Army-approved airworthiness qualification support of M260 rockets and the fixed forward weapon sights on the armed MD530F Mission Equipment Package (MEP) aircraft. Integration on one U.S. government furnished armed MD530F MEP unit will... Read more
15-Jul-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) and authorized MDHI Sales Agent AeroPartners, Inc. join in congratulating Aero-Asahi corporation (AAC), the largest helicopter operator in Japan, and Chiba Hokusoh Hospitalfor the achievement of 10,000 EMS missions flown exclusively by the MD 902. Aero-Asahi is an authorized MDHI Service Center and operates nine (9) MD 900/902 Explorers, with six (6)... Read more
7-Jul-2015
Technical issues on approach led to emergency landing in an unsuitable location, leading to severe injuries to the 2 POB. Both died in the hospital later the same day... Read more
1-Jul-2015Source: Reuters
A U.S. judge on Tuesday rejected New York financier Lynn Tilton’s bid to block the US SEC from trying her before an administrative judge for defrauding investors. (See full story)... Read more
1-Jul-2015Source: KPHO/KTVK
The new MD530F replaces an MD500E which was lost after an accident last year. See full story. The new aircraft is registered N507MP but as of today, the FAA shows this as reserved and not allocated. The aircraft serial is 0226FF, currently registered N60426 Last years accident – see 08-Jun-14 N504MP MD Helicopters MD500E Gilbert,... Read more
27-Jun-2015
Crashed on take off, injuring the pilot Brad Maclachlan and two hunters he had just picked up... 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
22-May-2015Source: Auburn
Michael Kopp wanted to sell Auburn Flight Service. See Full Story... Read more
19-May-2015
Emergency landing due to poor weather ended up in minor damage for the helicopter after pilot Sebastián Gadea Castro put the helicopter down into vegetation during an anti-drug flight. Photos show all five blades intact, but cabin and tail in direct contact with vegetation and boom slightly bent near gearbox. 5 POB safely exited the... Read more
18-May-2015
During a low level flight prior to attending to vegetation near powerlines, pilot noticed a decrease in engine power. The subsequent autorotation avoiding powerlines and buildings led to a hard landing and completely burnt out in post crash fire in the garden of a house. 2 POB seriously injured... 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
30-Apr-2015Source: Sunset Aviation Service
Sunset Aviation Service, Inc. located in Aurora Oregon is proud to announce our new website at www.sunsetaviationservice.com along with a new phone number of 503-776-5053. Our capabilities list has also been expanded to better serve more of the helicopter industry. Sunset Aviation Service was awarded the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) certificate... Read more
30-Apr-2015Source: BBC News
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is to operate an extra helicopter during the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire cycle race. See Full Story... Read more
30-Apr-2015
Emergency field landing during missing person search due to warning light illumination. Second of two incidents to same aircraft on same day. Photo here... Read more
30-Apr-2015
Emergency landing a night in a vacated car park of a retail store, shortly after midnight. First of two incidents to same aircraft on same day. Photo here... 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
21-Apr-2015Source: Reuters
A retired U.S. Army colonel pleaded guilty on Monday to negotiating a job with financier Lynn Tilton’s private equity firm while taking steps to enable a helicopter company it controlled to get paid faster by the Defense Department. See Full Story... Read more
17-Apr-2015
Bird strike, breaking an antenna. Safe emergency landing made... Read more
15-Apr-2015Source: RSG
Rotorcraft Services Group, Inc. (RSG), an industry leader in aircraft technical services, announced its teaming agreement with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) for the development and integration of an advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare suite for the Airbus AS565 MBe Panther helicopter. The integrated mission equipment suite will include L-3 Ocean Systems DS-100 Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar (HELRAS)... Read more
13-Apr-2015Source: Clacton Gazette
A three-year-old girl who was airlifted to hospital after a serious crash will officially open the new head office of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust. See Full Story... Read more
8-Apr-2015Source: U S News
A retired Army colonel pleaded guilty to negotiating his post-military employment with a helicopter company that did business with the Defense Department office he ran while still in uniform, according to court records filed Tuesday by U.S. government attorneys. See Full Story... Read more
6-Apr-2015
Crashed into Tennessee River and sank without trace. Pilot was only one on board and is missing presumed drowned. Haverfield Aviation confirmed it to be one of their helicopters and some debris from it found further downstream was labelled with the company name. Nearby angler witnessed the helicopter crashing into the water around 1pm. The... Read more
6-Apr-2015
Substantially damaged in force landing in an open field... Read more
1-Apr-2015Source: Reuters
MD Helicopters owner Lynn Tilton and her firm Patriarch Partners LLC on Wednesday sued the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to stop the regulator from pursuing a case accusing them of defrauding their investors. See full story... Read more
31-Mar-2015Source: SEC
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced fraud charges against an investment adviser and her New York-based firms accused of hiding the poor performance of loan assets in three collateralized loan obligation (CLO) funds they manage. The SEC’s Enforcement Division alleges that Lynn Tilton and her Patriarch Partners firms have breached their fiduciary duties and... Read more
23-Mar-2015Source: US DoD
MD Helicopter Inc.,* Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $31,605,244 firm-fixed-price contract for five months of logistical support for 12 MD530F aircraft. Fiscal 2015 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $15,486,569 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Aug. 30, 2015. Bids were solicited via the Internet with one... Read more
18-Mar-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) announced today that it will attend the 2015 Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition at the Mashuri International Exhibition Centre, 17-21 March 2015. The MD Helicopters chalet and static display will feature the MD 530G, the mid-range model of the company’s new scout attack helicopter fleet. “MD Helicopters has delivered... Read more
12-Mar-2015Source: HeliHub.com
With time to reflect following the end of Heli Expo, Andrew Drwiega gives a quick summary of some of the key points that were made by OEMs during the show. Now that the dust has settled from Heli Expo, Florida, for another year what, if anything, did we learn from the world’s biggest helicopter exposition?... 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
5-Mar-2015Source: Component Control
Northwest Helicopters, LLC, the largest helicopter company in the state of Washington, will be expanding its Quantum Control MRO and Logistics software footprint to include the integration of StockMarket, and the addition of manufacturing for Mechanical Specialties, LLC, a subsidiary that will manufacture the Bell model 505 cargo hook. Northwest Helicopters, located at the Olympia... Read more
4-Mar-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Andrew Drwiega of HeliHub.com listened to, then talked with, Lynn Tilton, CEO, MD Helicopters during her 10 Year Ownership Party in the exhibition halls during the opening day of Heli-Expo. Lynn Tilton is celebrating 10 years in charge of MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI), the old Hughes then McDonnell Douglas company. Using her investment company, Patriarch... 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
26-Feb-2015Source: Mid-Continent Instrument
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics today announced that the company’s MD302 Standby Attitude Module (SAM®) is being offered as the digital standby display in the Bell Helicopter 407GX, Enstrom Helicopter 480B-G, and the MD Helicopters MD900 Explorer. “SAM was a reliable and robust solution for our standby instrument need. The clean design and the ability to... Read more
25-Feb-2015Source: LAA
A revolutionary new mobile app and EE’s 4G network are helping London’s Air Ambulance save lives by reducing the time it takes to dispatch the charity’s advanced trauma teams by up to two minutes. Developed by mobile app developer Mubaloo and EE, the UK’s most advanced digital communications company, the app increases emergency dispatch efficiency... Read more
24-Feb-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The recent announcement of the future plans for the British law enforcement fleet points to the disposal of the MD Explorers currently in use. The announcement by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) of a target fleet of 19 helicopters has put us into research mode, but the pattern is clear. There are 22 helicopters... Read more
23-Feb-2015Source: Bloomberg
Lynn Tilton and her private-equity firm Patriarch Partners are facing potential enforcement action from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over its management of three pools of risky corporate loans. See Full Story... Read more
19-Feb-2015Source: Tiger Tugs
Tiger Tugs announces the introduction of their new model MD helicopter mover. The new MD tug is designed to specifically handle the MD 500 series helicopters. The 500 series has always been a problem to move on the ground with its very springy support struts. Our new lift system completely stays away from the skids... Read more
15-Feb-2015
Philippine military press office stated “We also commend the heroic pilots of MG MD-520 attack helicopter that was hit by enemy fire while providing close air support to the ground troops which were swarmed by the bandits,”. Safe emergency landing made in confined area with no further damage apparent from photo... Read more
12-Feb-2015
Two instructors and one student died on a training accident. Weather was a factor and cause them to change their planned route after take-off.... Read more
6-Feb-2015Source: Market Reports
MarketReportsStore.com adds Global Military Rotorcraft Market 2015-2025 research report of 186 pages that forecasts a CAGR of 2.61% for military rotorcraft industry across the globe for next 10 years. The Global Military Rotorcraft Market 2015-2025 report provides readers with a detailed analysis of both historic and forecast global industry values, factors influencing demand, the challenges... Read more
5-Feb-2015
Firefighting helicopter crashed while filling bucket in very shallow river. pilot Neal Andrews walked away unscathed... Read more
4-Feb-2015Source: LAA
We are calling on the people and organizations of London to join together in owning the solution to London’s vital need for a second emergency medical helicopter. In our largest ever fundraising drive, the ‘Your London, Your Helicopter’ campaign is hoping to raise the remaining £4.4 million needed to acquire and sustain a second helicopter... Read more
3-Feb-2015Source: Essex & Herts AA
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) is delighted to announce the launch of its new App for iPhone and Android smart phones. The EHAAT App has a unique function enabling users in the event of an emergency to give an exact six-figure grid reference to accurately pinpoint their location to the emergency services allowing... Read more
3-Feb-2015Source: HeliRussia
Traditionally, on a platform of Crocus Expo IEC will be held the gala review of helicopters featuring all developments and technical achievements of the last year. In addition to full scale specimens a wide range of navigation equipment, systems of radio control, equipment for helipads will be presented in the frames of the exhibition. Participation... Read more
2-Feb-2015Source: BBC News
The Your London Your Helicopter scheme wants to buy a second helicopter by the end of the summer to provide rapid trauma care for the capital. See Full Story... Read more
23-Jan-2015
Training flight, accident while hover taxying... Read more
9-Jan-2015Source: HAI Salute
The Helicopter Association International (HAI) today announced the winners of its acclaimed Salute to Excellence Awards in nine categories. They include, among others, two helicopter search-and-rescue (SAR) teams, a firefighting pilot who refused to give up on a crew on the ground, and a flight instructor with perhaps more time in one of the world’s... Read more
31-Dec-2014
Very heavy landing in residential area, minor injuries to 2 POB later named as David Callen and Paul Lourenco.... Read more
17-Dec-2014Source: HeliHub.com
While there is no longer any operational flying on the Station, RAF Wyton is home to a number of flying training units. These include: University of London Air Squadron (ULAS), Cambridge University Air Squadron (CUAS) and No 5 Air Experience Flight (No 5 AEF). They are part of No 3 Elementary Flying Training School who... Read more
2-Dec-2014Source: HeliHub.com
In the latest issue of Police Aviation News, editor Bryn Elliott floats the idea that the MD Explorer may have a limited time span in service with the UK’s National Police Air Service. In an article focusing on NPAS’ plan to acquire 3 to 6 fixed wing aircraft, Elliott notes that NPAS have six active... Read more
2-Dec-2014
Pilot received serious head injuries from the tail rotor after receiving a warning signal, leaving the cockpit and going to the rear of the helicopter to assist the technical staff – but apparently got too close... Read more
28-Nov-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Cornwall Air Ambulance are on the point of taking delivery of two MD Explorers as part of the next stage of the organisation’s evolution. The delivery brings a whole raft of changes with a new operator, new helicopter type, dual aircraft working, and (later) a night flying capability. The Explorers – operated by Specialist Aviation... Read more
24-Nov-2014Source: EHAAT
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) is delighted to announce that their Pre-hospital Care Doctor Rik Thomas, won Air Ambulance Doctor of the Year at the national Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence 2014 on Monday night. Rik’s award is in recognition of his actions following an incident that required quick thinking and careful consideration... Read more
20-Nov-2014Source: MD
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) today announced the formal delivery of a new MD 520N helicopter to the Burbank and Glendale Police Joint Air Support Unit located in the state of California. With this delivery, Burbank and Glendale will own four (4) MD 520N helicopters. Joining the MDHI team at the Company’s Mesa, Arizona headquarters were... Read more
