American Eurocopter announced today that HealthNet Aeromedical has placed its first EC145 into service. The aircraft, which was ordered in August of 2009, joins a fleet of eight other Eurocopter helicopters that include three EC135s and five AS350s. The EC145 will be based at HealthNet’s Morgantown, West Virginia facilities.

HealthNet has been a Eurocopter customer and operator since 1986. “With Eurocopter we have found the combination of product confidence and functionality, and company support,” said Chip Sovick, President and CEO of HealthNet. “Their helicopters provide us with the mission-specific performance we need for our various and expanding services and American Eurocopter provides us with the support we need to keep our fleet serving West Virginia and the surrounding areas.”

HealthNet is a consortium of three hospitals and its air medical fleet provides scene, interfacility, neonatal and pediatric transfers. Working in conjunction with Air Methods, HealthNet serves West Virginia and the surrounding states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky.  HealthNet also operates an aircraft in Ohio through a partnership with MedFlight of Ohio. The HealthNet fleet transports 3,500 patients a year and has completed more than 50,000 accident-free missions.

HealthNet also operates in a university setting and the EC145 provides it with greater range as well as extra space and payload ability for its training and specialty transport missions.

The EC145 was completed by Metro Aviation, and like the other aircraft in the HealthNet fleet, is equipped with a range of advanced technologies that enhance safety including Dual-Pilot Instrument Flight Rules capability, Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System, Wire Strike Kit, and Night Vision Goggles for pilots and crew. Sovick explains that their NVG capabilities are a prominent safety feature. “We were one of the first programs in the country to provide full NVG for pilots and crew all the way to the ground. When you get in those situations the extra pair of eyes can be very beneficial,” he said.

In addition to offering the latest technology and true multi-mission capability, the EC145 has become the medium-class, twin-engine helicopter of choice for a growing number of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) programs in the United States. With high-set main and tail rotors, the aircraft ensures safe ground operations, even during “hot” loading/unloading with blades turning. Operators also appreciate the EC145’s speed, advanced glass cockpit, extra-large cabin and exceptional visibility.

HealthNet has been operating Eurocopter aircraft for 24 years. In April, the program added its third EC135 to its fleet. For more information on HealthNet, visit www.healthnetaeromedical.com.

About American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer that produces, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer in the United States. The company is a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services, and is an affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world. American Eurocopter’s product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facilities are located in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, MS, that produces the UH-72A for the U.S. Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program.