Our Northern Region Rescue Helicopters
The aircraft we use are two twin-engine IFR Eurocopter SA365C1
Dauphins fitted with a two-man rescue hoist. The cabin layout allows
for a two-patient stretcher fit, easily accessed by the medical
attendants. The choppers are thirteen metres long and the enclosed
fenestrons (tail rotors) allow them to be easily manoeuvred for
confined area landings. As a result the Dauphins are ideally suited
to aero medical and rescue operations in the region.
The acquisition of a second aircraft in May 1996 (combined with
the far-sighted purchase of spare parts in 1993 and 1994) gave
us the opportunity to provide a helicopter 24 hours a day, every
day of the year. This has been done by undertaking scheduled maintenance
on both helicopters at planned intervals, guaranteeing there will
be a helicopter on line at all times.
The second aircraft brought a new dimension to the service and
improved our efficiency without exposing the local community to
debt. Although we have two aircraft, we do not operate a dual response
operation because the costs of training and employing additional
crews are too high for this region.
The only circumstances when the two helicopters could be in use
at the same time would be in the event of a major disaster where
the use of second helicopter was paramount (provided a pilot and
crew was available).
More Details
- Helicopters: Eurocopter Dauphin SA 365C1.
- Call Signs: VH-NRL or LIFESAVER 2 - VH-LSL
or LIFESAVER 4
- Engines: Twin Turbomeca Arrial 670 SHP Turbines
- Maximum Weight: 3400kg
- Maximum Range : 280 Nautical Miles (with
reserves intact)
- Average cost of a mission: $3,000 (hourly)
- Fuel: Jet A1
- Fuel usage: 320 litres per hour
- Max Fuel Load: 820 litres
- Duration or Maximum flight hours on fuel:
2 hours
- Flight Speed: 120 knots cruise (230 kph)
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