I always used to teach that if you couldn't rest your hand on the No1 ECL as you touched the ACC to Main switch, then something was wrong.

MG;

I believe the 'Post Mod 720' part about the generators, was a note after the 'Warnings', wasn't it? :=

SS

Yes, but it wasn't an ACC to Main check, just a note that if both gennys weren't both on or off, then it wouldn't work.

That's cleared that up I hope.
I knew some, who called out the generator part before flicking the switch, in anticipation of it not working maybe!
Perhaps the guy sat on the pan at GT should have read the note. :)

FWIR from BiH, the Mk 9s were all Post Mod.

What was the title of this thread again?
Ah, a lovely machine, no ACC/MAIN switch, quick to start and shut down, No run down time, excellent vis, etc.

:ok:
SS

p.s. "Engines must be either both running or both stopped", is not the same as "Both engines running and stable". :p

Sounds as if the Lynx has a similar accessory drive system to the old Wessex 2 and 5, which caught out a number of people over the years. Jolly good idea though and I wish a few more civil twins had it.

As for the EC135, I wonder if it landed on an unstable offshore helideck and was rotors running because of strong and gusting winds, if it would be possible for the blades to strike someone inside the rotor disc if the pilot made a control input to stop his aircraft sliding off the deck due to aq large wave causing a huge pitching moment? I know the S76 has a much lower clearance at the front and an articulated head, but it's been responsible for decapitating a few people over the years and a couple of S61s have removed their cockpit tops in similar circumstances.

ALEA Conference at Reno
 

Rumour has it that MDHI will be making a formal announcement at this year's ALEA conference in Reno, Nevada, announcing some long overdue good news in the form of financial backing from a seriously large investment company - and about time too !

... Now I wonder - If our intrepid P.A.N. reporter might have already heard this news, why he hasn't posted it here ?

... maybe he's just sulking if he didn't get his invite to this evening's Piano party that MDHI are hosting :{

Conference Schedule

:ok:

( edited for typo's etc. )

MD bailed out
 

I hear on very good authority that MD has been re financed by a large US investment house to the tune of 51%
Hopefully us MD operators will get a better spares support. So far had one 500 AOG for 5 months as there are no main rotor drive shafts

NTD,
Our Friend PAN is not quite the supersleuth some may think. I hope the current management changes or he will never get any scoop on MDHI. :*

MD902 - MDHI
 

Well,

Lets hope the seriously large investment company understands the helicopter business. How does the saying go? 'Want to make a small fortune...start with a large one and buy a helicopter!'

Getting the product right takes time and shedloads of cash....with both anything can be made to work.

I wish anyone chosing to enter the World helicopter market lots of luck...I mean with only 20-30 companies out there and military business the only real way to major profits (and then with a lot of luck) you really are going to need luck.

I think a Dot Com business would be easier!

Ah mentioned in despatches again!

As Notar Fan states I make no claims to any highly successful sleuthing.... as most of us know 'sleuthing' can be just a matter of luck [good or bad] and then asking questions. No magic in this business.

It seems at times it is just that certain sections of the industry get in a bit of a tizz being asked questions. The more mature seem to take things in their stride. Mostly by just ignoring the question rather than jumping up and down on Pprune!

I await the unfolding of this latest development with interest.

Like Metric I would put quite a lengthy period of time on any improvements. You cannot just wave a magic wand over all that delayed development.

Hughes500

I had no problem getting a brand new main rotor drive shaft. email me and I will forward where I got it. Would you happen to have a right front belly skin?

MD HELICOPTERS RECAPITALIZES BALANCE SHEET WITH NEW CONTROLLING PARTY
PRODUCT LINE FUTURE, CUSTOMER SUPPORT ASSURED
MESA, AZ, July 12, 2005 - MD Helicopters, Inc., a manufacturer of light helicopters, completed a significant restructuring transaction on July 8, 2005. As part of the transaction, Patriarch Partners, LLC, a New York based financial firm with approximately $4.5 billion under management, acquired a controlling interest in MD Helicopters, Inc.
The restructuring ensures that MDHI will have adequate working capital to continue production of existing product lines, aggressively improve customer support and fulfill existing orders. Following the recapitalization, MDHI is an independent Arizona-based company.
As part of the recapitalization, RDM, a Netherlands-based group, has retained a minority interest through one of its operating companies. RDM purchased the light helicopter operations from The Boeing Company in 1999. I am very pleased with this transaction as it is fully in line with our efforts over the past years to support the company and its products, said Joep van den Nieuwenhuijzen, RDM’s owner.
This recapitalization assures our customers that MD Helicopters will have sufficient working capital to be a strong, viable company fully able to support its products and its customers in their operations, said Henk Schaeken, CEO of MD Helicopters.
We are proud to add MDHI to our company portfolio. We believe that the demand for MD Helicopters’ products is deep and strong. We are pleased to be part of this great product line’s future. The strength of Patriarch Partners and the depth of our asset base provides the long-term financial and strategic support that the Company needs to rise to its natural level in the light helicopter market, said Lynn Tilton, the Chief Executive Officer of Patriarch Partners.
MD Helicopters manufactures the MD 500®, MD 520N®, MD 600N® and MD Explorer® series of light commercial and military helicopters. MD Helicopters’ products distinguish themselves by the proprietary Notar® no tail rotor technology. Company operations will continue to be based at existing facilities in Mesa, Arizona.
Schaeken said MD Helicopters’ immediate goal is to restore customer confidence in the Company and in its ability to support its products. We will be meeting with our customers and suppliers as soon as possible to restore their confidences in our long-term viability and the solid working relationships we once enjoyed, Schaeken said.
MD Helicopters has ignited its supply chain and production line. The company has a backlog of 17 helicopters, including recent orders by the police departments of Houston, Glendale and Columbus and two private owners. MD Helicopters also intends to bid its MD Explorer® for the US Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program.
In light of ongoing product improvements, the product line of MD Helicopters continues to be a favorite with military, law enforcement, commercial and private helicopters worldwide. The addition of the Notar® no tail rotor system provides significant operating efficiencies that distinguish the line from those of competitors. After 13 years in service, Notar®-equipped helicopters continue to be among the quietest and safest aircraft in operation.
Our association with Patriarch Partners provides assurances to our customers, suppliers and our employees that MD Helicopters will, once again, be a major supplier to the helicopter industry, Schaeken said. Our new working capital facility and the strength of our investors, provides for all concerned the confidence that MD Helicopters is in the helicopter business to stay.
The MD Helicopters family includes the twin-engine MD Explorer®, MD 600N®, and the MD 500® Series, including the MD 520N®, MD 500E® and the MD 530F®.
Only MD helicopters feature the NOTAR® anti-torque system, which is standard equipment on the MD Explorer®, MD 600N® and the MD 520N®. NOTAR® system-equipped aircraft are more quiet and have superior safety records than helicopters with conventional tail rotors.
Contact MD Helicopters, Inc.
Debbie Jones
(480) 346-6474
Debbie Jones

Here's the Official Update ...
 

... lifted directly from Air Beat Magazine -
Journal of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association -
2005 ALEA Conference & Exposition Air Beat Today 22/7/05

MD Helicopters Get Significant Financial Boost

MD Helicopters, Inc. completed a significant restructuring transaction as of July 8, 2005.
As part of this transaction, funds affiliated with Patriarch Partners, LLC, a New York and Charlotte based investment firm with approximately $4.5 billion under management, acquired a controlling interest in MDHI.
The restructuring ensures that MDHI will have adequate working capital to continue production of existing product lines, aggressively improve customer support and fulfill existing orders.
Following the recapitalization, MDHI is an independent company, and will continue to be based as its existing facility in Mesa, Arizona.
“We are proud to add MDHI to our portfolio of companies. We believe that the demand for MD Helicopters’ products
is deep and strong. The strength of Patriarch Partners and the depth of our asset base provides the long-term financial and
strategic support that the company needs to excel in the light helicopter market,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer
of Patriarch Partners.
“This recapitalization assures our customers that MD Helicopters will have sufficient working capital to be a strong, viable company fully able to support its products and its customers in their operations and that MD Helicopters is in the helicopter business to stay,” said Henk Schaeken, Chief Executive Officer of MD Helicopters.
Schaeken said MD Helicopters’ immediate goal is to restore customer confidence in the company and in its ability to support its products.
“We will be meeting with our customers and suppliers as soon as possible to restore their confidences in our long-term viability and the solid working relationships we once enjoyed.”

So there you go :ok:

Does MDHI make the 900 model or is it completely separate and connected with the Dutch company?????

MD900 aka MD Explorer is from the same company (Kaman does the blades). There's a rumor that MDH may team-up with a U.S. prime to offer the type for the LUH requirement.

I/C

The 500 series (with Tail Rotor) is still one of the sweetest things flying. Heres hoping we see a few more....

great news


steve

F@*!!£g Hell TC, How many times do we need to tell you!!;)

MDHI = MD Helicopters Incorporated

MD Helicopters Incorporated IS NOT McDonnell Douglas Helicopters.
Any confusion is historical and deliberate
:p :rolleyes: :ok:

I really do hope that this is the news that all MD operators want to hear.......


The Horses Mouth

Used Explorer
 

Apparently there's an Explorer for sale in the UK...

About what? :confused:

Ah, MG, you might have edited it now but I was too quick, I saw it! ;)