Story ID: 
MD 500E Glass Cockpit Gets FAA Nod
By: Mark Huber
Caption: The new "slimline" advanced glass cockpit for MD 500E Helicopter features Garmin avionics and has been granted FAA approval for installation. 
Word Count: 202
MD Helicopters has received FAA approval to install its new “slimline” advanced glass cockpit in the MD 500E single. The installation is now standard on all new-production MD 500Es and provides four inches of additional visibility on both sides of the instrument panel when compared to the traditional configuration. “We have put considerable effort into listening to our customers these past two years—increasing visibility and field of view, and modernization of the cockpit was a common request,” said Jason Lindauer, MD Helicopters v-p for business development and aftermarket.

The new design features the Garmin G500H TXi dual touchscreen integrated display system with a primary flight display and multi-function display. Helicopter synthetic vision technology and helicopter terrain awareness and warning system capabilities are available options. Dual Howell Instruments displays serve as the engine indicating and crew alerting system, while the Garmin GTN 650H provides navigation and communication functions and also includes a moving map.  

MD will be installing the slimline cockpit into company training aircraft. Interested customers are encouraged to contact MD or visit the company’s display at the Airborne Public Safety Association’s Annual Conference and Expo from July 25 to 30 in Reno, Nevada.