PROJECT OVERVIEW
Mt Hutt Aviation completed New Zealand’s first MD 530N upgrade for Heliventures NZ, converting its MD 520N into a more capable aircraft for commercial operations across the South Island. The project brought together an engine conversion, avionics upgrade and full airframe refurbishment at our Mid Canterbury facility.
The aircraft was stripped back, with components removed and individually inspected before being overhauled, replaced or reinstalled as required. Our team then rebuilt and refinished the aircraft, fitted a Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engine and installed a Garmin glass cockpit. The upgrade retains the MD 520N’s NOTAR system while providing improved performance and a longer engine compressor inspection interval.
The result is a comprehensively refreshed aircraft with more capability and fewer planned maintenance interruptions, ready to return to work with Heliventures NZ.
