Activation
One telephone call to our Communication Center at (800)288-8111 provides access to the integrated system including four helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, and neonatal and critical care ambulances.
Helicopter
The American Eurocopter ec145 and BK-117 have a cruising speed of 150 miles per hour and can easily transport the flight crew and critical care medical equipment along with two patients. The ec145 is the latest variant of the BK-117 model and continues the BK's proven record of top performance for air medical transport applications because of its superior hover performance and take-off power.
Capacity
From a safety standpoint, the AEC ec145 & BK-117 have the highest power-to-weight ratio of any comparable twin-engine helicopter, providing excellent in and out of ground effect hover performance and superior one-engine operation. Redundant systems further enhance the aircraft's safety.
All of our 'on-line' helicopters are capable of flying during inclement weather utilizing state-of-the-art avionics equipment. This enhances both the safety and availability of LifeFlight. By using a three-axis autopilot, on-board color weather radar, and GPS, our pilots are able to file an IFR flight plan. This allows LifeFlight to fly in a radar-controlled environment and in protected airspace when weather conditions are less than visual meteorological conditions
Vanderbilt LifeFlight's aircraft, pilots, and mechanics are provided under contract from Air Methods Corporation, Englewood, CO.