Adds CVR, TAWS And HUMS

As part of an ongoing commitment to improving safety of its aircraft, MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced Tuesday at Heli-Expo 2006 that it will equip its helos to support the safety recommendations of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST). Beginning with 2007 aircraft deliveries, all MDHI products will include wire strikes, cockpit voice and video recorders, health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), terrain awareness warning system (TAWS).

Additionally, a Fly Safety Training package will be added to MDHI's Training Program.

"We are committed to set the standard of support to improve safety and to modify the negative perception tainting the rotorcraft industry by using the recommendations and counsel of IHST," said MDHI Chairman Lynn Tilton. "As part of the promise I have made to be the poster child for the IHST, we will include, as standard equipment, the additional components and training technology on all new aircraft deliveries beginning in 2007. In addition, we will make available a 'safety kit' and support to retrofit all existing aircraft."

The IHST was formed by the Federal Aviation Administration, American Helicopter Society and the Helicopter Association International to facilitate safety improvement in the industry. IHST has set a goal for reduction in helicopter accident by 80 percent over the next five years. In addition to increased safety, HUMS monitoring offers reduced maintenance cost as it allows operators to record meaningful data that facilitates increased maintenance efficiency.

"MDHI has always been focused on ways to improve safety," said Andy Logan, Chief Technology Officer for MDHI. "At the heart of NOTAR technology lies a fundamental safety 'edge.' The removal of the traditional tail rotor and replacement with an aerodynamic system ensures both the lower probability of failure as well as eliminates the myriad accidents caused by tail rotor strike."

MD Helicopters, Inc. manufactures commercial and military helicopters. The MD Helicopters family includes the twin-engine MD Explorer(R), and single engine versions of the MD 600N(R), MD 520N(R), MD 500E(R) and MD 530F(R). The NOTAR(R) system for anti-torque control is the exclusive property of MD Helicopters.

FMI: www.mdhelicopters.com