Digital and App magazine readers can watch video on this MD Helicopters feature by clicking the play button.


Not to mention, it’s not like the afore­ mentioned aircraft with conventional TRs do not have their own limitations. If I am honest, although I have never got­ ten myself into full­blown LTE, I have momentarily hit the stops in most every helicopter I have flown. Those instances were generally near MGW, in gusty wind conditions, and in tight LZs with limited maneuvering space.


THE NEXT CHAPTER Overall, I was impressed with nearly


every aspect of flying the MD 902 Explorer. I wouldn’t be objective if did not mention at least one thing I found lacking in the 902, and that is a flight deck with a suite of modern IFR, NVG­


compatible, engine and flight instru­ ments. But hold on, that’s being addressed as I type! Currently in the works for the MD Explorer will be the introduction of a next generation, full­ capability flight deck. To accomplish this, MD Helicopters has partnered with advanced avionics manufacturer, Universal Avionics


Systems


Corporation. The result of this develop­ ment will be a new custom single­pilot IFR­capable integrated flight deck avail­ able for all production and retrofit MD Explorer helicopters. The new cockpit will feature a Primary Flight Display (PFD) providing all primary flight parameters, primary engine / rotor data and safety critical annunciators. Full capabilities will include synthetic vision,


electronic charts and display graphics that are video and mission display capa­ ble. The system will be available in sev­ eral cockpit configurations supporting both single and dual pilot operations. Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit displays and controllers are planned immediately after certification of the basic display system project. I think the MD helicopter and MD company story are inspiring. Although I do not know Ms. Tilton personally, I applaud her dedication to not only sav­ ing this iconic American company, but also re­building this historic institution created by Howard Hughes nearly a half century ago. As quoted by Ms. Tilton herself, “MD Helicopters is American Pride Rising to New Heights.”


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