JACKSONVILLE — Trinity Mother Frances’ new American Eurocopter EC 145 made a pass around Jacksonville Tuesday morning to show off what it’s made of.
Medical Transport Services Administrator Arnie Spiers said the $7 million aircraft was first acquired about a year ago to add to the hospital’s regional air fleet. It is the hospital’s new Flight for Life helicopter.
“This one is about 30 percent bigger on the inside than the older model,” Spiers said. “It can lift about 900 pounds more.”
Pilot Alan West said with the crew, equipment and additional fuel already factored in, the aircraft can lift up to 770 pounds.
“The range is as far as Houston,” West said. “Normally it’s about 80 miles around Tyler.”
He said the 8,000-pound copter can travel up to 173 miles per hour at up to 18,000 feet — higher than the pilot can fly without needing a supply of oxygen.
West, who has flown Blackhawk and Apache helicopters in the military, added the aircraft can stay aloft nearly twice as long as the older vehicle at almost three hours.
Spiers said the older helicopter, bought in 1985, lasted more than 20 years and is still in service. He said he expects the EC 145 to last just as long.
West said the aircraft is used for two types of flights.
“About 50 percent of the time we land on the roadway when we hear about a wreck,” West said. “The other half of the flights are hospital transfers.”
Spiers said the new helicopter contains a sizable new medical suite for patient treatment.
“Short of doing surgery, these guys have the capability to treat patients in the helicopter,” Spiers said. “It’s a mobile Intensive Care Unit.”
The flight crew for the helicopter consists of a pilot, a flight nurse and flight paramedic.
Its pilot has access to night vision technology identical to that used by military forces in the Middle East.
West said the goggles allow him to practically see in the dark as they magnify pieces of light to enable crew members to see emergency lights up to 30 miles away.
In addition, the aircraft also contains technology to spot landscape features such as transmission towers, buildings and the ground itself. An automated voice will notify the pilot of such obstacles during flight. It also has a fully functional autopilot.
Spiers said the new acquisition will be a boon to the Jacksonville area.
“We are very proud of it and proud to serve the citizens of Jacksonville,” Spiers said. “I hope no one here has to use the helicopter, but if you do then know you’re with the best team in East Texas.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
Pilot Alan West and Flight Nurse DeLisa Blanchard take a breather prior to takeoff procedure. The helicopter services a radius of about 80 miles outward from Tyler, including Jacksonville and Cherokee County. Progress photos by Nathan Straus
Discussion
Shiny new ride
Trinity Mother Frances adds new helicopter to fleet
- Local News
-
-
Forecasters see end to La Niña but it may not bring drought relief
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center announced that La Niña, which contributed to the drought across the southwestern U.S., will dissipate between March and May.
-
Alto police force adds tool to help in fighting crime
The Alto Police Department have an additional tool under its belts for fighting crime — tasers.
-
Bullard bans smoking in city park
Smoking in Bullard's O.L. Ferrell Park is officially illegal after a unanimous decision made by the Bullard city council Thursday evening.
-
Aircraft lifted from Lake Palestine
The Varga Aircraft found in Lake Palestine has been lifted from the water Friday afternoon. The missing pilot, Fred Scholz, has not been found and the search mission continued.
-
JEDCO, city to have joint representation
Through a 4-3 vote, Eldridge Moak will cease to be the attorney representing Jacksonville Development Corp. effective July 1.
-
Alto looks to update infrastructure, town is ‘worn out, structurally’
City officials said it is time to start looking into updating the city's underground infrastructure.
-
Model U.N. gives students a global perspective
Last week, delegates from over 40 countries met in Kilgore to discuss important issues within their borders.
-
2 men charged in aggravated assault
A New Summerfield man turned himself in to the Cherokee County jail last week for a late January aggravated assault incident.
-
Alto police hire two new officers
After six months without a police force, and two months of running with two officers, the Alto Police Department is fully staffed.
-
Rusk officials mull education partnerships
The Rusk Economic Development Corporation board of directors is deliberating a project that could grant every graduating Rusk senior a free education at Tyler Junior College.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Forecasters see end to La Niña but it may not bring drought relief
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
