Last month, MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced the completion of all TIA requirements for its Block 1 glass cockpit upgrade for the MD 600N. Concurrent to the MD 600N effort, MD Helicopters is also integrating the Block 1 cockpit into the MD 530F, with Federal Aviation Administration review and approval for a type certificate change for all new 369FF models expected later this summer.
Integration and testing efforts for the integration of MDHI’s Block 1 glass cockpit upgrade on all single-engine airframes was announced at the HAI Heli-Expo in March 2017.
With customer orders already in queue, MDHI expects to have type certificate modifications for its full range of single-engine aircraft, including the MD 500E and MD 520N, by mid-2018.
MDHI also unveiled a new, all-glass cockpit for its MD 902 Explorer at this year’s Heli-Expo. The flight deck, featuring three Genesys Aerosystems IDU-680 six-inch by nine-inch LCD primary displays remains on track for certification by the end of 2017.
Market Growth
MD Helicopters is experiencing an increase in market growth across nearly every segment served. New aircraft orders fulfilling utility/transport, emergency medical service (EMS), law enforcement and military operations have created one of the strongest backlogs the company has seen in years. With this backlog has come a rapidity of innovation in both manufacturing process and technology integration that is setting the pace for future industry growth.
“Our team is growing in all areas, production is increasing to meet a growing backlog of both commercial and military orders, and certification efforts for new technologies are accelerating – the first aircraft to receive enhanced all glass-cockpits will deliver within the month, and through it all we have seen remarkable advancements aftermarket and customer support performance,” said Craig Kitchen, chief commercial officer for MD Helicopters.
Expanding aftermarket programs since its debut at HAI Heli-Expo 2016, MDHI has made significant improvements to its innovative MyMD.aero customer portal. With more than 1,500 registered operators today, MDHI has expanded on the original platform for aircraft maintenance to include parts tracking. MyMD.aero Digital Technical Publications was also recently released, and new, expanded schedule for maintenance training will be released on Aug. 1.
“Having our customers use MyMD.aero for their planning and maintenance needs gives us insight to view our customers’ future overhaul and inspection requirements,” said Nick Nenadovic, vice president, aftermarket and customer support for MD Helicopters. “This advanced planning ensures they have the correct part when they need it most.
“The positive impact of MyMD.aero is undeniable, as evidenced in recent industry surveys that show the highest gains in parts availability, warranty fulfillment, and overall customer support,” adds Nenadovic .
To further enhance MDHI’s aftermarket capabilities, the company will stand up a brand new Aftermarket Center of Excellence (ACE) near its Mesa, Arizona, headquarters. The Aftermarket Center of Excellence will host the latest test cell technology; an innovation that will allow repair and overhauls to be made at lightning pace. Turnaround times will be quick, efficient, and up to the highest standards of a world class aircraft manufacturer.
