New Weight Limit Rises to 3,350 Lbs, a 250-Lb Upgrade

MD Helicopters has begun offering its MD 530F Maximum Gross Take Off Weight Upgrade to operators of F-model helicopters as a free upgrade.

The firm says the move is "a part of the company’s continuing efforts to increase customer support and service", upgrading owner's aircraft from their former MGTOW of 3,100 pounds to 3,350. They describe it as an "internal weight increase, with a new Vne of 150 knots. Maximum external load gross weight, minimum flying weight, and the center of gravity remain unchanged.

The upgrade consists of a new rotorcraft flight manual supplement assigned to the aircraft serial number and a VNE IAS (knots) placard reflecting the increased MGTOW for display in the aircraft. MD Helicopters Authorized Service Centers can perform the upgrade, but the firm notes that the time frame required for completion will vary depending on each location's workload. All things going well, customers could see theirs finished in less than a month. The upgrade is good publicity for the brand as they look to notify the market of their resurgent parts capability.

"MDH continues to increase availability on all fielded parts for its aircraft, including NOTAR helicopters. These upgrades are in addition to a growing parts supply to support the aircraft," added MD Helicopters. For those in the business of classic Hughes helos, that's good news. 

FMI:www.mdhelicopters.com