Da Plane!  Da Plane!

Fixed wing aircraft debuts at Air Idaho Rescue

 Check it out

It’s up, up, and away for Air Idaho Rescue’s newest addition – a fixed wing aircraft that can fly rescue missions in all kinds of weather.

Because bad weather and helicopters don’t mix, this new single engine plane will enable Air Idaho to take on calls they used to turn over to ground rescue teams.

Beginning in February, the N412KC Pilatus will begin operations from its permanent location in a hangar at the Idaho Falls Airport.  The crew of one pilot, one nurse, and a paramedic will maintain quarters at the hangar to provide 24/7 dedicated service and faster response times.

Lynette Sharp, regional clinical manager for the mountain region of Omni, Inc., owner of Air Idaho, said she anticipates 20 to 25 flights a month for the plane but is confident it will exceed those expectations.  “I hope we’re so busy that we have to get a second plane.

“Physicians will be happy to know we’re adding this tool to get their patients to the right place in a timely fashion,” she said.

Already referring physicians are getting excited about it as is the case with James Quirk, M.D., at the Pinedale Medical Clinic.

“With the improved foul weather capability of the fixed-wing aircraft there will be fewer no fly days in Sublette County and, as a result, lives will be saved,” said Dr. Quirk.   “My staff and I look forward to continuing to work with EIRMC to care for our sickest patients and congratulate them on this milestone.”

There are a number of benefits for a fixed wing aircraft:

• Dedicated 24/7 service in good or bad weather.
• Flies on instruments.  Pilots only need to see the runway at takeoff and landing.
• De-icing capabilities built right into the wings.  Helicopter blades ice up in certain conditions.
• Faster and less expensive on longer trips. 
• Can transport patients from EIRMC to other points instead of Air Idaho just responding to the initial rescue.

One obvious limitation is that the plane must fly runway to runway with an ambulance bringing patients to and from the airport, which adds more time.  But it’s certainly better than the entire trip being made by ambulance during bad weather when the helicopter is down.

Sharp said that in the summer months, calls will be triaged.  Based on the call, the plane will be sent to places like Star Valley or Jackson where there are runways and the helicopter sent out for back country rescues.

When Air Idaho tried in the past to have a fixed wing aircraft, the planes provided were not suited for the short runways in the smaller airports.  But this Pilatus plane is designed to handle every runway in our service area.

EIRMC has been flying high ever since Air Idaho Rescue was purchased by Omni Flight, Inc. last year, and the addition of the fixed wing aircraft so soon, just validates the hospital’s decision to go with Omni.