The Atlanta Police Department has had plans to standardise its aviation department on a single type, MD’s 530F, approved by the city Council. The programme budgeted at USD10.4 million calls for the acquisition of two new MD530Fs. Meanwhile its existing MD500E will undergo an ‘E to F’ conversion at MD Helicopters. Following the conversion the aircraft will to all intents and purposes be a new aircraft cutting the cumulative fleet age by 40 years. This says Atlanta Police, will have a significant impact in reducing training and maintenance costs compared with operating an aging three type fleet.
