Mt Hutt Aviation

Name: Mt Hutt Aviation
Address: 880 Forks Road, Alford Forest, Ashburton, 7771, NZ
Telephone: +6433028401

Home
New Zealand
Ashburton
Mt Hutt Aviation

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Mt Hutt Aviation, 880 Forks Road, Alford Forest, Ashburton.

Our engineering team delivers 24/7 innovative fleet management support and maintenance solutions which minimise downtime for operators, reduce fleet maintenance costs and deliver pioneer custom aircraft modifications.

13/03/2026

"Not a new helicopter. Just the one you wish yours was-Super D

09/03/2026

Check out the new MD564!
6 Bladed Rotor sytem
4 Bladed T/R
+750lbs external load

06/03/2026

All the detail inside.
All the performance outside.

28/02/2026

Same DNA. Different animal.

05/02/2026

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve completed two major performance upgrades — delivering more control, more lift, and better real-world capability where it matters most. 🚁

BLR Fast Fin Upgrade
Another Fast Fin system from BLR Aerospace installed — improving tail rotor authority, reducing pedal workload, and boosting control in high power situations.

AS350 Van Horn Blade Upgrade
We’ve also upgraded an AS350 with Van Horn composite blades from Van Horn Aviation — delivering stronger lift, smoother handling, and better hot-and-high performance.
Big gains. Proven upgrades. Real results.

Message us if you’re looking to boost your helicopter’s performance.

01/02/2026

Last year we completed a comprehensive Airbus AS355NP Twin Squirrel upgrade for Heliventures NZ Ltd. , transforming a proven platform into a modern, highly capable utility aircraft.

The project included a full exterior and interior repaint, giving the aircraft a clean, refreshed look, along with the first STC BLR FastFin kit installation for the Twin Squirrel, delivering improved yaw stability and tail rotor authority, particularly noticeable during external load operations.

Up front, we designed and installed a custom low-profile, max-visibility instrument panel, built around a full Garmin Aviation glass cockpit. The upgraded panel features a G500H TXi with GI 275 backup, supported by GTN 750Xi and GTN 650xi navigators, streamlined, intuitive, and optimised for demanding utility work.

Operational capability was further enhanced with a new VHF-FM radio, a cockpit video camera for improved operational oversight, three-port customer bleed air outlets, and a complete external load electrical control system. The fit-out was rounded out with a Boggi Aeronautics steerable cargo mirror, giving the pilot precise, flexible visibility during longline operations.

A serious, end-to-end upgrade that blends performance, situational awareness, and real-world working capability built to work hard from day one.

09/01/2026

Another MD 520N transformed— complete paint refurbishment completed mid last year for Amuri Helicopters .

As part of the work scope, we also installed new windows and a wire-strike protection system, improving visibility, safety, and ensuring the aircraft was returned to service in a refreshed, mission-ready configuration.

The completed aircraft presents clean lines and a professional, understated finish that suits the MD Helicopters, LLC. 520N well — another job completed to a standard we’re proud to stand behind. 🚁

02/01/2026

Throwback to a standout rebuild 🚁

Around 12 months ago, we completed this MD Helicopters, LLC. MD500D for Anderson Helicopters —a full, ground-up refurbishment tailored specifically for demanding utility operations.

The aircraft was taken right back to bare metal, followed by a full custom repaint delivering a tough, clean finish built for real-world work. Inside, it received a completely new interior, designed around durability, practicality, and long operational days.

🔧 Avionics – full Garmin Aviation upgrade
The cockpit was comprehensively modernised with a full Garmin suite, including:

GI 275
GMA 345 audio panel
Dual GTR 225 radios
GTX 335 transponder
Garmin Aera 660
TracMap guidance system

This setup delivers a clean, intuitive cockpit with excellent situational awareness and reliability for utility flying.

🪝 Utility customisation

To support specialised utility operations, this MD500D was fitted with:
4-port bleed air control outlets
Remote hook system
Bucket control system

📸 The photos were taken recently when the aircraft returned to our facility for its annual inspections—great to see it back in the hangar and still looking sharp after a year of hard work in the field.

A great example of how a well-executed refurbishment and avionics upgrade can transform an MD500D into a highly capable, mission-ready utility machine.

30/12/2025

What actually goes into a Super D conversion?

Quite a bit more than meets the eye.
The Super D modification is all about unlocking more performance, stability, and control by integrating proven MD530F components into the airframe — turning a great aircraft into a genuinely capable workhorse.

Here’s what the upgrade includes:

🔹 Longer main rotor blades
Increased rotor diameter delivers improved lift, better hover margins, and stronger performance in hot, high, and heavy conditions.

🔹 Larger F-model tail rotor
More tail rotor authority means improved yaw control, particularly at high power settings and during demanding operational manoeuvres.

🔹 F-model vertical and horizontal stabilisers
These enhance directional stability and handling, reducing pilot workload and improving overall aircraft feel across the flight envelope.

🔹 Tail boom extension
The extension improves tail rotor efficiency and completes the aerodynamic package.

🔹 Increased useful load — up to +350 lb
The combined aerodynamic and rotor system improvements translate directly into up to 350 lb of additional payload, giving operators more flexibility, better margins, and greater mission capability.

The result is a helicopter that feels more composed, more capable, and better suited to real-world utility operations — without compromising the simplicity and reliability the platform is known for.

This conversion isn’t about adding complexity.
It’s about maximising what the airframe can already do.

More to come as we continue breaking down the Super D in this series.

23/12/2025

MD500 SUPER D — COMPLETE

Our first MD500 Super D conversion is officially finished, and the results speak for themselves.
This aircraft showcases exactly what the Super D upgrade delivers — a serious step up in performance, capability, and operational value for MD500 operators.

We’ve captured high-quality photos and video of the completed aircraft, out in its natural enviroment. The full video release is planned for early next year.

For now, we’ll be sharing selected images to give you a closer look at the final product.

Why upgrade to Super D?
• Increased power and improved margins
• Stronger hot & high performance
• A proven upgrade that extends the life and value of your MD500

We are now actively offering MD500 Super D conversion kits. If you’re considering upgrading your aircraft rather than replacing it, this is a cost-effective way to unlock more capability from a platform you already trust.

📩 Get in touch to discuss kit availability, options, and lead times — and follow along as we continue to share more from this aircraft ahead of the full video release.

More to come. 👀

Address

880 Forks Road, Alford Forest
Ashburton
7771

Telephone

+6433028401

Website

http://www.mthuttaviation.co.nz/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mt Hutt Aviation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Transport Service in Ashburton?