On Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 I delivered my MD500e helicopter to arguably one of the top helicopter shops in the world – Phoenix Heliparts. Phoenix Heliparts is located in Mesa Arizona and they specialize in restoring, refurbishing and repairing  the 500/369 variant of helicopters. I have engaged them in what is going to be a 3 or 4 month project to completely restore my 1986 MD500e (369e) helicopter. In the coming months, I will be following that restoration step by step here on my blog with commentaries and pictures as the project progresses.

The story of Phoenix Heliparts as told by Husband and Wife team Darin and Tina is amazing. What started in their garage has spawned to 40,000 sq. feet of facility and shop space. This coupled with their highly skilled staff allow them to meticulously repair and restore 500s. Long before I delivered my 500 to them, I had been talking with Darin and Tina along with Ryan, Rich, Jerry, Carl and others on their staff about my project. It became evident that their passion for their work was second to none and their knowledge on the 500s was nothing short of incredible.

After much discussion and hundreds of emails and calls, we schedule the date for my delivery. Since their rapid expansion had caused them to move off the Falcon Filed Airport (KFFZ) I had to coordinate my landing (in their parking lot) with their Chief Pilot (and former Mesa PD Chief Pilot) Steve Raether. Steve helped me coordinate my landing with the Mesa Police Department and on May 2nd, a beautiful, clear morning I landed N52550 in the back parking lot of the Phoenix Heliparts facility.

Phoenix Heliparts Parking Lot

Phoenix Heliparts Parking Lot

Within a very short period of time, Ryan Howe (PHI’s Chief of Maintenance) had a nice new home for my 500 all set up, had the blades removed and had 550 moved into their facility where it would be for the next 3 to 4 months. From the moment I entered the PHI facility, I knew I had made the right choice. Their entire operation is computerized – every part, every item, every job, every work order, every second anyone spends on my helicopter is methodically entered into PHI’s vast computerized tracking system. Every document, every scrap of paper, 337s, POH inserts – everything is cataloged and entered into 3 ring binders. Before they had my ship, Ryan had already started 2 or 3 different binders for my ship – all in preparation for its receipt and the work that would follow.

N52550 Maintenance Bay

N52550 Maintenance Bay

Upon arriving at PHI, I was given a tour by Darin, Tina and Ryan – and needless to say I was impressed. The shop is meticulous, everything has a place, everything is computerized and everywhere you look everything is clean and neat. It was obvious to me (and I  have owned and operated aircraft for many years) that they really knew what they were doing. If that was not enough of a clue, the sight of 10 or 15 500s all in various states or work or repair (from brand new ships with 4 hours on them to 25 year old ships with 15,000 hours on them) really made the point!  And we are not talking just a little light work here and there – we are talking full blown restoration projects:

PHI Shop

PHI Shop

Just to give you a good idea of the capabilities of Phoenix Heliparts – take a look at these three photos – Before, During and After repairs. This is a ship that needed a lot of help and attention!

Wrecked MD - Before

Wrecked MD - Before

Wrecked MD - During

Wrecked MD - During

Wrecked MD - After

Wrecked MD - After

Please check back often as I will be keeping everyone up to date with the progress that PHI is making with my helicopter. Thanks!

Richard J. Sears

Hi – I am the author – Richard Sears. I have been a pilot and flight instructor for over 20 years!

If you live in the San Diego area and would like to arrange a free airplane or helicopter flight for your child (age 8 to 18) through the EAA Young Eagles program please email me at richard@sears.net

If you are a Scout Master, I can work with your troop on the Aviation Merit Badge and provide all ground training and flights necessary to meet the latest requirements of the Aviation Merit Badge. I am a registered Merit Badge Counselor with the BSA San Diego – Imperial Council.

All my flight time is donated, there is no cost to the parents or the troop.

Parents are always welcome to ride along and get hooked!