American Eurocopter delivers four EC145s to OSF

American Eurocopter announced
that OSF Aviation has taken delivery of four new EC145s as part of a fleet
replacement program it initiated last year. All four aircraft are being
completed by Air Methods, with the first aircraft due to arrive at OSF Aviation
in April.

The new EC145s will replace
the fleet operated for OSF Saint Anthony Lifeline and OSF Saint Francis Life Flight.

“OSF selected the EC145
because of its superb performance capabilities, enhanced safety features, and
the roomy cabin,” said Brent Grady, executive director for OSF Aviation “We
often fly teams to other locations, as well as carry additional equipment such
as isolettes and balloon pumps, so the additional space coupled with the
aircraft’s range and extra power is important to us.

“Of course, safety of our
passengers and crews is our number one priority,” Grady continued “We are
outfitting these aircraft with all the latest safety equipment, including
night-vision goggles, Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Enhanced
Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), and a Helicopter Terrain Awareness and
Warning System (HTAWS). The EC145 also offers us additional safety on the
ground because of the high-set main and tail rotors.”