Metro Aviation Inc. Delivers EC130s to Medflight

Metro Aviation Inc. recently completed two major STC programs on the Eurocopter EC130 selected by Medflight Ohio (Columbus) to replace a mixed and aging fleet. The first two completed aircraft were delivered to Medflight Ohio on June 6, 2011. Metro Aviation Inc. will serve as the operator, replacing Omniflight Helicopters. Following crew training and familiarization, training and pilot check rides, the aircraft will be placed into service. The remaining six aircraft are to be completed and placed in service by October 2011. The aircraft STCs were split into two projects, emergency medical equipment and optional equipment kit.

 “Metro Aviation’s challenge was to reduce size, weight and complexity to match the performance goals of the single engine airframe. We think we accomplished this goal,” says Milton Geltz, managing director for Metro Aviation Inc. “Metro Aviation Inc. choose a strategic partner for the Litter System in Lifeport, utilizing the Med Deck system with the TSO carbon fiber litter. This selection was based on the necessity to meet design critical loading criteria unique to not only the EC130 but the EC155B1 that we are in process of completing three of for the University of Michigan.”

In conjunction with this program, Metro Aviation Inc. worked cooperatively with Cobham/S-Tec HeliSaS to not only complete the STC program on the AS350B2 and AS350B3, but also the EC130B4 an RGS (Garmin) to add the Radar altimeter feature on the Garmin G500H installation supplementing the HTAWS and Traffic System. Aviation Specialties Unlimited was selected for the NVG installation. The NORTH Flight Data Systems LARS System is scheduled for certification later this year.