Orlando, Fla., March 1, 2007   -  The Columbus Police Helicopter Unit has ordered its ninth MD 500E® with an option to purchase three more. The aircraft are slated for delivery in 2007 and 2008 for airborne law enforcement. The new purchase is part of a planned fleet replacement program that helps keep operating costs low.

Speed, agility, reliability and proven low operating costs are keys to success for the Helicopter Unit. A fleet of six MD 500E aircraft currently patrols the city of 216 square miles in Central Ohio and is scheduled to be airborne16 hours a day, seven days a week. The Columbus Police Helicopter Unit has accumulated 40,000 hours flight time operating the MD 500E. As an added benefit, each of the MD 500E aircraft is equipped with a low-noise four-bladed tail rotor, enhancing the mission to combat crime, while "flying neighborly."

"The generations of citizens in Columbus have grown up with a law enforcement presence in the air. It is an assurance that Columbus government leadership, both civilian and police, continue to utilize all tools in an overall crime enforcement and prevention strategy," said Lt. Mike Elkins, Commander of the Helicopter Unit. "The people of Columbus are used to us flying all of the time and it gives them a feeling of safety."

MDHI is based in Mesa, Ariz.

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About MD Helicopters:
MD Helicopters is a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters. The MDHI family of rotorcraft is world renowned for their value, versatility and performance. The MD Helicopters family includes the twin-engine MD Explorer®, and single engine versions of the MD 600N®, MD 520N®, MD 500E® and MD 530F®. The NOTAR® system for anti-torque control is the exclusive property of MD Helicopters. The Company is based in Mesa, Arizona.

About Patriarch Partners, LLC
Patriarch Partners, LLC is an investment firm in New York and Charlotte, North Carolina which together with its affiliates, provides portfolio management services and serves as investment advisor to multiple leveraged funds and a private equity fund. Founded in 2000 by Lynn Tilton, Patriarch provides innovative financial solutions, strategic direction and operational expertise to companies undergoing periods of pervasive change. Patriarch currently monitors credit facilities in respect to approximately $5 billion dollars of assets under its management, including  equity positions (majority and minority) in more than 65 companies. Lynn Tilton serves as Chairman of the Board of MDHI. Funds managed by Patriarch Partners own a majority and controlling interest in MDHI.

Contact: Debbie Jones, MDHI
(480) 346-6474
debbie@mdhelicopters.com