News Operations
Huntington Beach PD purchases three MD 530Fs

The Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) signed a purchase agreement with MD Helicopters Inc. for three MD 530F helicopters in a law enforcement configuration. Delivery of the first aircraft will occur in the first quarter of 2022. The second and third aircraft will be delivered later that year.

The purchase agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by Alan Carr, sole director of MDHI’s board of directors. The department has owned and operated MD helicopters for more than 40 years

“We owe this renewed relationship to the hard work of our dedicated sales team, particularly Jason Lindauer, our Director of Commercial and Law Enforcement Sales,” Carr said. “Jason worked tirelessly to listen to Huntington Beach’s airborne team and clearly identify what they needed to succeed, including support in selling their current aircraft and spares.

“We have no doubt the MD 530F is the best helicopter for the job – powerful, reliable, and delivering superior efficiency,” continued Car. “Now that incredible law enforcement tool is backed by an uncompromisingly positive customer experience.”

Sgt. Jeff Goodspeed, Huntington Beach Police Air Support Unit Supervisor, said: “Since the 1970s we have trusted MD Helicopters as our platform. Yet, while our mechanics and pilots love our helicopters, we always look for what best fits our mission of patrol, lifeguard deployments, Bambi Bucket operations, and other auxiliary duties.

“Over the last two years we conducted exhaustive research of every possible helicopter that could meet our mission needs,” continued Goodspeed. “We flew aircraft, contacted other police departments who flew those aircraft, and interviewed helicopter manufacturer representatives to ensure we had a comfort level with the aircraft for both our pilots and our mechanics.”

The MD 530F is the latest model in the single-engine line, incorporating an advanced NVIS interior designed to enhance safety during nighttime patrol, surveillance, and tactical operations. The enhanced certified glass cockpit features the Garmin G500TXi Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), Howell Instruments Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert Systems (EICAS), and Garmin GTN 750 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS.

In addition to its Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650 shp turbine engine, extended landing gear, and wire strike protection system, HBPD’s MD 530F will be custom-configured with a full law enforcement package. In addition to the agreement to sell the department’s current aircraft and spares, the comprehensive fleet replacement package includes a training program specifically tailored to the department’s pilots and technicians.