MESA, Ariz., Dec. 5, 2003 -- Operators of MD helicopters have a new option for reducing the cost of training by as much as $30,000 a year.

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) and U.S. Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG) have joined forces to offer USAIG's Safety Buck program to operators of MD helicopters.

Operators who qualify and participate in the program for one year may earn safety bucks - up to $30,000 annually - when they renew their policies through USAIG. The Safety Bucks may then be used to purchase factory-authorized pilot or maintenance training from MDHI.

Since 1997, 90 operators of some 200 turbine helicopters have received nearly $2 million in safety bucks, according to Mike Kriebel, a senior vice president for USAIG.

"This is a win-win program for our customers and the industry as a whole," said Henk Schaeken, chairman and chief executive officer of MDHI. ""We're promoting good safety and training habits while providing a tangible benefit to operators."

Studies by both MDHI and USAIG confirm that helicopter pilots who complete factory recurrent training programs have better safety records than those who do not.

MDHI offers manufacturer-approved transition and recurrent training for both pilots and maintenance personnel in support of its family of twin- and single-engine helicopters, including the MD Explorer, MD 600N, MD 520N, MD 500E and MD 530F. The Training Center is located in Mesa, Arizona, at the MD Helicopters facility at Falcon Field.

To register for a factory-training course, call the Customer Training Center at 480-346-6390. Information may also be requested by fax at: 480-346-6826.

For more information about the Safety Buck Program, contact USAIG at (212) 859-3766. Details also are available on line at www.usau.com

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