MD Helicopters delivered an MD 530F model aircraft to High Line Helicopters (HLH) this month as part of the OEM’s FAA-approved E-to-F conversion program. Georgia-based HLH is a utility helicopter operator that provides powerline and aerial vegetation management services.
The conversion increases hot-and-high performance capability with elements that include an engine upgrade from the Rolls Royce 250-C20B to the more powerful RR250-C30, new main and tail rotor blades, an upgraded F model main rotor gearbox, and an upgraded tail rotor drive shaft. MD executives told AIN earlier this year that the conversion package was priced at approximately $1.2 million.
Jason Lindauer, MD vice president of military and commercial sales, said the program “provides an affordable option for MD 500E operators to boost power, capabilities, and maximum gross weight” all for “a fraction of the cost of a new helicopter.”