After completing the first three EC155s to be used for HEMS operations in the US early last year, Metro Aviation is preparing to complete another Eurocopter EC155, this time for Shands at the University of Florida’s ShandsCair.

The ShandsCair aircraft will be the fourth EC155 used for HEMS in the country.  Metro Aviation received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a complete Emergency Medical System kit and associated options for the Eurocopter EC155B1 in December of 2011.  The STC includes: Aft Storage System, Portable Oxygen Mount, Supplemental Strobe Lights, Secondary Patient Restraint, seating for up to five passengers, 10 Liter LOX (526-RTI Aero ORB), Dual Gas Towers, IV Support Rail and a Medical Inverter, as well as other configurations that give caregivers the resources they need while in the air.  The ShandsCair 155 will also be equipped with the Spectrum Aeromed Litter System, which is currently being used in their fixed wing service and will allow for direct transfers between the rotor and fixed wing aircraft.

“We are excited to partner with Metro Aviation for the medical completion of our EC155 aircraft,” said Staccie Allen, Program Director for ShandsCair Flight Program. “Metro is known throughout the industry for providing exceptional quality, and we have seen this first-hand with our EC135s as well.”

ShandsCair is the critical care transport system of Shands at the University of Florida.  The program has demonstrated a commitment to their community of patients with the addition of the EC155.  The capabilities, speed and reliability this aircraft brings to the flight program will be a great compliment to the existing fleet of fixed wing and EC135 “Chopper Docs.”

ShandsCair’s aviation partner is the Dallas, Texas-based company, Med-Trans Corporation. The company is a leading provider of emergency air ambulance programs throughout the United States, well known for their customized solutions for their health care partners.

Metro Aviation will receive the green airframe in the late third quarter of this year, with plans to deliver the EC155 to ShandsCair no later than the first quarter of 2014.

About Metro Aviation

Metro Aviation, Inc., based in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States is a worldwide provider of completion services for all missions and types of helicopters and specializes in the EC135 and EC145 with several Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) developed by the company for these and other aircraft.  Metro is an FAA approved repair station, approved Eurocopter Service Center and FAR Part 135 air medical operations provider at several locations across the United States. The company is privately held and is one of the largest traditional air medical providers in the country.