The Tennessee Valley Authority, the largest public power utility in the U.S., has added an MD 530F helicopter to its fleet to support powerline utility, inspections, and construction operations throughout its multi-state service area.

The MC 530F is the first commercially delivered F-model with MD Helicopters’ all-glass single-engine cockpit. It includes Howell Instruments’ electronic engine instruments and crew alert system, Garmin’s G500[H] TXi electronic flight instruments with touchscreen GDU, and Garmin’s DTN 650 touchscreen Nav/Com/GPS.

Additional mission equipment includes the Fargo 21-gallon auxiliary fuel tank, Onboard Systems Talon LC Keeperless 3,600-pound cargo hook and Colorado Helicopters side hook bracket, high-visibility main rotor blades, and wire strike protection.

This is the third MD Helicopter F-model to join the utility fleet.