Agusta Aerospace Corporation, an AgustaWestland company, is pleased to announce the delivery of an A109 Power EMS helicopter to Portneuf Life Flight on October 31, 2003. This A109EMS helicopter is fitted with specialty emergency medical equipment to allow for efficient patient care while they are being transported. The A109 Power is a twin turbine helicopter with dual litter capability and full body patient access. The A109 Power is certified for single pilot IFR operation and this helicopter is powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 2K-1 turbine engines.

Portneuf Medical Center pilot Ron Fergie said, The hospital's A109E Power will enable him to do his job faster and safer than before. "It's beautiful. It handles like a dream." Also Fergie states, " Saving time is vital to LifeFlight, our other helicopter took 75 minutes to fly to Salt Lake City. The Power is capable of making the trip in about 50 minutes. It gives us an opportunity to provide a much better service to the community."

Portneuf Life Flight began operation in November 1983 as Idaho's 1st air medical transport system. Life Flight is hospital-based at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho and operates their own Part 135 program. In 1988 Portneuf expanded services to include fixed-wing and rotor wing aircraft. The A109 Power will be operating within a 150 to 200 mile radius and will provide service to communities in Southeast Idaho, parts of Wyoming and Utah.

FMI: www.agusta.com