Aircraft

Airbus EC145

The LifeFlight fleet is composed of four EC145’s, which were introduced in 2007. The EC145 is a medium duty, twin engine helicopter with a cruise speed of 130 knots and a maximum speed of 145 knots. The EC145’s wide open, rear loading, cabin allows maximum flexibility for space for all of our medical equipment, up to 3 medical crew members, and a Ferno Powerflexx stretcher. The cockpit is all glass, NVG & SPIFR certified, and has all of the latest advances in aviation safety. 

Airbus H135

The H135 is the newest aircraft type in our fleet and employs many of the same design characteristics of the H145, including a high mail rotor, large flat floor space, rear loading, and advanced avionics. Additionally the H135 also has a Fenestron or shrouded tail rotor. The H135 accounts for some 25% of all EMS helicopters flying today. Slightly smaller than the H145 it still allows for completing our mission while decreasing costs and diversifying our fleet.

Safety precautions

• Establish a safety perimeter of 100' x 100' to keep personnel at a safe distance
• Do not approach the helipad or helicopter unless signaled by the pilot and unless you are asked to help, stay outside the safety perimeter
  
• Normally, the rotor blades will be stopped before anyone can approach or depart from the helicopter. In certain emergency situations, it may be appropriate to load or unload the patient while the blades are turning. In these cases:
  1. Approach the helicopter only when instructed by a pilot
  2. Stay away from the nose and the tail of the aircraft
  3. Use caution around the airspeed probes on the front of the helicopter
  4. Keep your head down when passing under the blades
  5. Approach and depart the helicopter from the 3 o'clock or the 9 o'clock position in full view of the pilot
  6. Hold long objects horizontally. Hold IV bags as low as possible; nothing should be held higher than head level
• Do not smoke, run, have loose articles, or wear hats within the safety perimeter
• No vehicles should be driven within 50 feet of the aircraft and do not back up toward the helicopter