30-Oct-2024Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters is proud to announce the successful completion of the first MD 500E to MD 530F conversion, carried out at an MD Authorized Service Center, Thoroughbred Aviation in Lexington, KY. This significant milestone reflects the strength of the MD Authorized Service Center network and MD Helicopters’ commitment to fleet upgrades by making it easier... Read more
31-May-2024Source: MDH
MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) is pleased to announce the expansion of its growing global network of MDH service providers with the addition of Skytech Helicopters as an Authorized Service Center (ASC) in Northampton, United Kingdom. This latest network expansion highlights a Commitment to Performance for MDH customers around the world. Skytech Helicopters is the first... Read more
18-Apr-2024Source: HeliHub.com
The City of Riverside in California has recently listed two MD500Es on the GovDeals auction site. The pair have been replaced by Airbus H125 helicopters, which were delivered in summer 2023. One 500E of the pair being auctioned is a 2008 model with 8,996 airframe hours and 18,693 engine hours, while the second is an... Read more
29-Feb-2024Source: Axxeum
Axxeum, Inc. (“Axxeum”) announced that they have secured an order from Apex Heli-Support of Phoenix, Arizona for their first E to F Conversion at Axxeum’s Authorized MD Service Center in Huntsville, Alabama. On Monday MD Helicopters (“MDH”) announced their decision to certify Axxeum to conduct E to F Conversions at their Part 145 Repair Station.... Read more
15-May-2023Source: Trakka Systems
Trakka Systems announces Total Mission Solutions Package for Pomona Police Department. Trakka’s unparalleled surveillance package consists of the TrakkaCam TC-300 EO/IR, gyro-stabilized, compact multi-sensor surveillance camera, the sophisticated multispectral TrakkaBeam TLX Searchlight, and TrakkaMaps TM-100 Moving Maps and Video Management System. The Pomona Police Department MD-500E helicopter assists ground units in performing routine patrols, surveillance missions, search... Read more
27-Apr-2023Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters (MDH) (AAAA Booth #2911) has increased parts availability for new and currently operating MDH aircraft through multiple long-term supplier agreements worth a total of $17.4 million. Suppliers with these agreements include L3Harris, Rohde & Schwarz, Kinetic Defense Manufacturing, Yankee Casting, Liquid Measurement Systems, and FN Herstal, with more in process with Moog, Dillon Precision, and... Read more
13-Dec-2022Source: MD Helicopters
The following is a press release from MD Helicopters where they confirm the story we ran two weeks previously. MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) is pleased to announce the Atlanta Police Department has signed a USD$10 million purchase agreement for two MD 530F helicopters. Additionally, the department signed an agreement to convert one of its... Read more
28-Nov-2022Source: HeliHub.com
The City of Atlanta has signed off the paperwork at a City Council meeting earlier this month with a commitment of $10,445,227 to the future fleet of its Police Department This figure includes two new MD530FF helicopters from MD Helicopters, and the upgrade of the City’s current MD500E (pictured) to 530FF standard. Standardising the fleet... Read more
14-Jul-2022Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today that the company has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification to install a new “slimline” advanced glass cockpit that modernizes the MD500E platform for increased visibility and field of view. The slimline cockpit is now standard in all new MD500E aircraft and includes four inches of additional visibility on... Read more
10-Mar-2022Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) has entered an exclusive five-year maintenance agreement with Houston Police Department to perform drive train component maintenance for the department’s eight MD 500E helicopters. “MD Helicopters has a long and sustained history of delivering the proven capabilities and technically advanced helicopters modern law enforcement requires to protect its citizens while ensuring safety for its officers,”... Read more
9-Mar-2022Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), booth #9554 at HAI HELI-EXPO 2022, is presenting a HELI-EXPO show offer on MDHI’s long standing E-to-F conversion program. Customers can lock in pricing and receive part and service credit with this offer. Following a strict FAA-approved process, the E-to-F conversion upgrades an MD 500E helicopter to an FAA-certified MD530F model.... Read more
2-Dec-2021
Main blades sliced tail boom on training flight while practicing autorotations St. Louis County Police helicopter damaged at Spirit of St. Louis https://t.co/g4nPl1NaYe — KMOV (@KMOV) December 2, 2021... Read more
11-Nov-2021Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is excited to announce that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Campus student Brandon Hutchins was selected as the 2021 recipient of the MD 500 Transition Training Scholarship valued at approximately $12,000. The MD 500E Transition Training Scholarship was developed to support the next generation of rotorcraft pilots. Over the scholarship’s 10-year history, MD... Read more
6-Sep-2021
Crashed after skid caught on helipad during take-off... Read more
14-Apr-2021
Emergency landing on golf course. FAA report did not supply any further details. ... Read more
22-Jan-2021
FAA report helicopter was substantially damaged after loss of tail rotor effectiveness on approach to land... Read more
20-Jan-2021
Helicopter impacted lake. All four POB died in the accident. When the helicopter was recovered, one blade was missing and the tail boom had been sliced off. Pilot named in this report as Elio Marcaccio while passengers Moisés Selvi and Euclides Quintero, and a unnamed 14 year-old were added from this report... Read more
1-Dec-2020Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) has completed a contract to upgrade an MD 500E helicopter to an FAA-certified MD 530F model aircraft as part of MDHI’s long standing E-to-F conversion program. “The E-to-F conversion program follows a strict, FAA-approved process,” says Nick Nenadovic, Vice President of Aftermarket and Customer Support for MD Helicopters, Inc. “Over eight to... Read more
4-Aug-2020Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces delivery of newly certified MD 530F to Wilson Construction. Wilson Construction, headquartered in Aurora, Oregon, upgraded one of its four MD 500E helicopters to an FAA-certified MD 530F model aircraft. An operator of MDHI-brand helicopters since 2005, Wilson Construction has delivered their hardworking E-model aircraft to be overhauled and recertified... Read more
28-Jan-2020Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces the integration of digital, all-glass cockpit solutions for its MD 500E and MD 520N single-engine helicopters. Based on the FAA-certified flight deck for the MD 530F, the cockpit design for these 500-series aircraft will feature high resolution LCD displays housed in an elegant slim line console. “It has been my... Read more
21-Feb-2019
The Fire Department said the crash was a result of engine failure. FAA report 2 POB with no injuries, while the operator said the unnamed pilot was hospitalized “for further evaluation as a precautionary measure.” Operator said in a statement “hard landing … while arriving for a utility flight”... Read more
11-Jul-2017Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is proud to announce a new agreement with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Cincinnati, Ohio, to upgrade its MD 500E helicopter to an FAA-certified MD 530F model helicopter. The E-model aircraft will be overhauled and re-certified as an F-model (Type Certificate 369FF) in just a period of a few weeks. The FAA-approved... Read more
5-May-2017Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is proud to announce a new agreement with the Columbus Division of Police, Columbus, Ohio, to upgrade its two (2) remaining MD 500E helicopters. The two E models will be overhauled and re-certified as F-models (Type Certificate 369FF) with zero-time engines in a period of just a few weeks. The FAA-approved... Read more
8-Apr-2016Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the delivery of a new MD 500E to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Enforcement. Announced in November 2015, the custom-built MD 500E was welcomed by Chief Pilot Tom Buker and Pilot Brad Maas on March 29 at MD Helicopters’ Mesa, Arizona headquarters. The new 500E... Read more
5-Jan-2016Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is pleased to announce an order by the Fresno County Sherriff’s Office, Fresno, California, for a new MD 530F. Unanimously approved by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors last week, the new MD 530F will deliver greater horsepower, increased payload capability, and reduced operating costs. Currently, Fresno County’s helicopter fleet includes... Read more
17-Dec-2015Source: ABC30
The department’s two MD500E helicopters were both built in 1991, purchased used in 1996 and have flown a combined total of more than 30,000 hours. Supervisor Brian Pacheco said the terrorist threat was a reason for his support. “I believe the events of the past week show that we need to have our best and... Read more
5-Nov-2015Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the purchase of a new MD 500E by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Enforcement. The custom-built MD 500E will perform a variety of missions in support of the DNR’s responsibility to manage natural lands, maintain healthy wildlife populations, and support law enforcement, firefighting and general... 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
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
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
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
5-Aug-2015
Crashed into Beaver Lake while picking up water to fight a fire... 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-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
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
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-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
19-Mar-2015Source: AJC
Gwinnett commissioners on Tuesday approved three contracts to replace both helicopters used by the police department’s aviation unit for less than half the cost of buying new ones. Both units date to the mid-1980s. See Full Story... 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
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
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
23-Jan-2015
Training flight, accident while hover taxying... Read more
28-Oct-2014
Struck wires while spraying at low level, killing pilot Peter Robb... Read more
15-Oct-2014Source: Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics and MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) are dedicated to delivering high-performance products that exceed customers’ expectations for quality, service and support. The Next Generation flight deck for the MD Explorer is no exception; the two companies have partnered to bring the most advanced technology into the flight deck of the world-renown and redesigned light-twin... Read more
14-Oct-2014Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) today announced a new contract to build and deliver a specially equipped MD 500E helicopter to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Aviation Unit. The preferred helicopter for airborne law enforcement missions, the MD 500E delivers the highest speed, payload and productivity in its class. “We look forward to welcoming... Read more
8-Oct-2014Source: GDP
For nearly 40 years, a different kind of police unit has patrolled Gwinnett County. See Full Story... Read more
3-Oct-2014
Emergency landing in school field after warning light illuminated... 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-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
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
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
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-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
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
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
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-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
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
17-Dec-2013
French pilot Frederick Coupe slightly injured. Skid collapsed (on landing?). Helicopter was involved in powerline cleaning operations... 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
6-Dec-2013
Force landing during animal capture operation... Read more
18-Nov-2013Source: Quest Aviation Solutions
Dubai-based Quest Aviation Solutions has been appointed exclusive sales distributor for MD Helicopters’ multi mission product range of helicopters in the UAE. The deal was announced on the opening day of the 2013 Dubai Air Show. Quest’s territory will cover the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras-al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Quest Aviation... Read more
13-Nov-2013
Emergency landing in sports field. Mechanic called and problem solved... Read more
6-Oct-2013Source: Ruag Aviation
RUAG Aviation has been officially authorised to perform the full range of maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) and upgrade services for the McDonnell Douglas MD 500, MD 600 and MD 900 helicopter series. The Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE) rating was received in June 2013 and covers services for the MD 500E, MD 520N, MD 530E, MD... Read more
5-Oct-2013
Joshua Fitts, 34, of West Hurricane, Utah, was killed about 12:20 p.m. when the tail rotor of the McDonnell Douglas helicopter crashed after clipping a transmission line pulley, called a sheave... Read more
2-Oct-2013
Solo student pilot ran out of altitude on a practice engine-out autorotation landing and hit the tail boom on the ground.... Read more
28-Aug-2013
Emergency night landing in school field after experiencing unusual rotor blade vibration. Attended to by engineer next day on site. Pilot named by CBS47 as Johnny Reyes... Read more
12-Aug-2013
Operating for US Dept of Justice, and with Harney County Deputy Sheriff Chris Nisbet on board, the pilot was involved in a federal, state and county marijuana eradication program. Reported engine failure. Tail boom chopped, port skid collapsed, helicopter on port side... Read more
