On Friday, March 28th, Geisinger Life Flight rolled out its first, state-of-the-art EC145 from American Eurocopter. The helicopter is the first of five in the Geisinger Life Flight fleet and was introduced at the Life Flight base in State College, Pennsylvania. 

The EC145 was selected by Geisinger Life Flight in September 2006 as the product to invigorate its five-helicopter fleet consisting of Eurocopter BK117s and Sikorsky S76s.

The BK117 was introduced to the U.S. AMS market in the early 1980's and Geisinger Life Flight was one of the first AMS organizations in the United States to operate it. Geisinger Life Flight chose the EC145 because of the aircraft's single pilot IFR capabilities, its twin-engine performance and reliability, advanced electronics, its NVG compatible cockpit, the spacious cabin and its ability to operate in a wide range of operating conditions.

Powered by two Turbomeca ARRIEL engines, the EC145 delivers a top speed of 145 kts and a fast cruising speed of 131 kts. Its service ceiling is 17,200 ft., and the EC145 climbs at a rate 1,600 ft/minute. With standard tanks, the EC145 has a range of 370 nautical miles, and can fly in temperatures ranging from -31 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

The helicopter's spacious cabin has room for two pilots and three medical practitioners with space for two patient litters and a comprehensive equipment bay. Built with high set main and tail rotors, the EC145 is fast, safe, and provides in excess of 135 cubic feet of cabin volume.

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com