MD Helicopters Delivers New MD 500ER To Respected Bushveld Game Capture

MD 500ER to enhance Bushveld Game Capture’s ability to protect and preserve South Africa’s endangered game species

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the sale and delivery of a new MD 500ER single-engine helicopter to Bushveld Game Capture, Vryburg, South Africa. As South Africa’s premier provider of wildlife capture, purchasing, selling, transport, veterinary services, and the darting and counting of game by helicopter, Bushveld is expanding their helicopter fleet to more effectively and efficiently protect and preservice these revered icons of the South African savanna.

“The MD 500ER delivers the highest speed, payload capability and productivity in its class,” said Craig Kitchen, MD Helicopters Chief Commercial Officer. “We are honored that Bushveld Game Capture chose to make this aircraft, with its unparalleled durability and maneuverability, to be their second MD purchase in less than three years. It’s got the power and proven performance required to meet the challenges of big game preservation in the South African savanna.

This right-hand command MD 500ER is the second MD Helicopter purchased by Bushveld Game Capture and features air conditioning, upgraded leather seating and cabin panels, the 420-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C20 turbine engine, extended heavy-duty landing gear, Fargo auxiliary fuel tank and cargo hook to support external loads up to 2,000 pounds. The cockpit configuration features the Garmin 500H EFIS all-glass avionics flight display, Garmin GTN650H touchscreen GPS/Navigation and communications panel and Garmin GMA 350H all digital audio panel.

Founded in 2006 to ensure professional, honest and ethical service in all aspects of wildlife capture and transport, Bushveld takes extreme measures to insure all game is captured and transported safely and efficiently.

“The decision to add this MD 500ER to our Bushveld fleet was an easy one for me,” said Tina de Jager, chief pilot and owner of Bushveld Game Capture. “We fly in some pretty difficult conditions on a daily basis, so safety is of paramount importance. Not only are MD’s the safest helicopter in the world, they have power to spare, high cruising speed and are very economical to run.

Additionally, and just as important as the helicopter itself, is the after sale service. I’ve always found this to be excellent with MD, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will always be there is invaluable!”

Supported by authorized MDHI sales representative Starlite Aviation Group, Ms. De Jager and the Bushveld team will begin flying their new MD 500ER later this month.