Allegheny Health Network adds $13M chopper to its LifeFlight fleet

The new model includes rear cameras that allow the pilot to see crews and patients approaching from the back and into the cabin.

By JACK TROY
TribLive

A state-of-the-art medical helicopter is joining Allegheny Health Network’s Life-Flight fleet, equipped with a bigger cabin to fit more life-saving medical equipment and advanced autopilot.

“The aircraft will practically fly itself,” said Pete Hough, the program’s operations manager.

The helicopter, unveiled Friday at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh’s North Side, will likely be ready for its first transport by next week.

The program already has six choppers — each about 15 years old — that transport some 3,500 critically ill patients from emergency scenes and between hospitals each year. LifeFlight serves parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York.

The new model includes rear cameras that allow the pilot to see crews and patients approaching from the back and into the cabin. It also uses five blades on its rotor, compared to four in the existing fleet, allowing for the helicopter to fly more smoothly and carry more weight.

“It was time for an upgrade,” said Bob Twaddle, vice president of prehospital care services at AHN.

This newest aircraft cost $13 million, with an interior outfitted with medical equipment by Metro Aviation at its Louisiana facility. AHN plans to purchase three more in as many years, making the total investment in the program upward of $50 million.

“This aircraft represents a significant step forward for our LifeFlight program and, more importantly, represents an elevated level of care for the communities we serve,” said Twaddle. “It underscores our commitment and continued investment in the people, technologies, and advanced capabilities that are essential to providing the exceptional services our patients deserve, when and where they need it most.”