University of Michigan EC155 B1 on schedule

Survival Flight conducted an
initial review of the EC155 B1 aircraft last week. On the agenda for the
configuration team was to approve the final paint layout and review the medical
system installation. With the approval of the new paint scheme and the medical
system configuration, Metro Aviation continues to proceed with an on schedule
delivery. (photograph by Jennifer Robison)

“The reason we chose this
particular aircraft is because the cabin space can be configured in a standard
configuration for four medical staff, optional five seats for team
transports,  a patient, and all necessary life support monitoring
equipment,” stated Denise Landis, Survival Flight critical care manager.
“The aircraft can also be configured with a neonatal transport positioned
laterally to allow full access to the neonatal transport unit and occupant.
This flexibility is due in large part to the floor system Metro Aviation designed
to our specifications. We carry a lot of specialty patients so it’s important
for us to have the space to bring all of the equipment and staff necessary for
transports.”

Landis added “As
preparations for receiving the aircraft continue, Survival Flight mechanics are
now attending training with Eurocopter. Our pilots will attend HeliSim training
in Paris as
well as obtain seven hours of flight time in the actual aircraft. Anyone that
will be flying in the aircraft is required to attend two weeks of safety
orientations as well.”

Survival Flight plans to
replace the current Bell
430 fleet as the EC155 B1’s become ready and training is completed.