WICHITA - October 4, 2006  -   The Wichita Police Department, a charter member of the "Operation Sky Knight" police helicopter patrol program, has logged nearly 3,000 accident-free flight hours in its MD 500E since the Department took delivery of the aircraft in May 2003.

The Department's helicopter patrol unit was formed in 1970 and selected the MD 500E as its first turbine-powered helicopter. The unit serves the Wichita city population of more than 350,000 and has consistently averaged monthly and annual "First Unit On Scene Response" rates of nearly 100 percent since taking delivery of the MD 500E.

"Some of the positive attributes that sold us on the MD 500E include its built-in safety features; speed; agility and maneuverability; and economy of operation," said Lieutenant Paul J. Shields, supervisor and pilot for the Wichita Police Department Air section. "In terms of the airframe itself, we are convinced that the MD 500E remains a top performer in its category as a light observation helicopter."

"The five-place MD 500E delivers speed, payload, productivity, and is renowned for its agility, reliability and low cost of operation, making it a favorite of law enforcers around the world," said MD Helicopters VP of Sales and Marketing, David Oglesbee. "The MD 500E is also available with a four-blade tail rotor for quiet performance."

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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