During the Heli-Expo launch of the EC130 T2, American Eurocopter today announced an order from Enloe FlightCare for an EC130 T2, also called an EcoStar. Not only is Enloe FlightCare one of the launch customers for this evolution of the popular EC130 helicopter line, but it is also the first U.S. air medical program to sign for one.

Enloe FlightCare is a program that is known for its firsts. It was the first helicopter ambulance north of Sacramento, Calif., and it was one of the first three air medical programs in the country to become fully certified with the Federal Aviation Commission to use night-vision goggles. FlightCare grew out of the need to rapidly transport patients from growing mountain communities to its base hospital, Enloe Medical Center in Chico, Calif. It has transported more than 14,000 patients since first taking to the air in July 1985.

“We are excited that Enloe FlightCare has joined us for the launch of this helicopter and chosen the EC130 T2 to upgrade its fleet,” said Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. “Their selection of the EC130 T2 highlights the growing appeal of this product line in the U.S. air medical industry as well as the enhancements introduced on this model.”

Enloe has operated American Eurocopter AS-350 A-Star helicopters for 26 years. “When it was time to look for a new replacement aircraft, we selected the EC130 because of the reduced noise signature and larger cabin space available for patient care,” said Marty Marshall, Director of Enloe’s Emergency Services and a FlightCare pilot. “We gave a lot of thought to our replacement because we loved the A-Stars. The EcoStar met all of our requirements, and since we are based in a noise-sensitive neighborhood, its reduced noise was a huge bonus.”

Enloe FlightCare was awarded with a full three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Air Medical Transport (CAMTS) in both 2011 and 2008. CAMTS, an organization dedicated to improving the quality and safety of medical transport services, recognized Enloe’s medical transport rotor-wing service for providing “highly skilled flight nurse/paramedic teams to care for adult and pediatric patients.”

The new-generation EC130 is a light single-engine helicopter with all the latest technology and a roomy, modular cabin that seats 7-8 passengers. Its Fenestron® tail rotor and automatic control of rotor RPM results in a significantly reduced operating noise level. Reliable power is provided by the Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 turbine engine, complete with a dual-channel FADEC digital engine control system and a back-up control box. Thanks to its great visibility, quietness, performance and safety, this flexible helicopter has become a key member of American Eurocopter’s AStar product line, and is particularly adapted to the needs of private users, as well as tourism and charter missions.