Mesa, AZ - Nov. 28, 2006  -  Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of both MD Helicopters, Inc. ("MDHI") and Patriarch Partners, LLC ("Patriarch") the New York investment firm whose funds own a majority interest in the company, today announced that Charles Vehlow has been appointed President at MDHI. Mr. Vehlow will continue to hold the position of CEO of the Patriarch Aerospace Platform.

Ms Tilton said, " I have been working quite closely with Chuck and the high quality MD executive team over the last year as we have battled together to bring the MD Helicopter name back to prominence and its rightful place in the helicopter world. The wisdom, experience and leadership that Chuck has demonstrated made him the natural choice for this job, which will include much of the day to day leadership, as we continue to execute on our promise to bring MDHI and its legendary aircraft back to our loyal operators. I feel very lucky that Chuck has agreed to take on this challenge to help me rebuild this great company."

Mr. Vehlow said, "I welcome this opportunity to lead MD Helicopters. MD is focused on delivering a quality product to our customers, and continuing to support those customers who have stayed with MD. Ms Tilton and the Patriarch platform also offer many great opportunities for MD expansion in both products and services"

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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