Life Flight Network equips PC-12 with liquid oxygen
The aircraft now features a new, compact liquid oxygen (LOX) solution developed in collaboration with Spectrum Aeromed
US-based air ambulance provider Life Flight Network has announced the installation of LOX equipment on its new Pilatus PC-12.
The technology was installed in the fixed-wing turboprop aircraft in collaboration with medical solutions firm Spectrum Aeromed. The plane was delivered to Life Flight Network on 27 September.
The configuration is the first of its kind to receive US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certificate (STC) approval, and will be used by the operator to improve the support given to critical patients during extended transports.
Life Flight Network, which serves the US Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West regions, ultimately hopes to outfit its entire fleet of PC-12s with the LOX equipment in the coming years.
“The addition of LOX capabilities in our Pilatus PC-12 aircraft marks a significant milestone in our mission to serve communities across the region, allowing for extended duration of use, and greater portability and accessibility,” said Casey Seckel, Chief Clinical Officer at Life Flight Network. “The addition of this resource more than triples the carrying capacity for oxygen, a vital resource for our critically ill and injured patients.”
Spectrum Aeromed previously showcased its liquid oxygen solutions at the Air Medical Transport Conference in Columbus, Ohio, last October.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.