QAI Aviation and Spectrum Aeromed collaborate on air medical interior for EC135

QAI Aviation and Spectrum Aeromed have announced their collaboration on a new custom air medical interior for Life Flight Network’s EC135 helicopter. The project combines Spectrum Aeromed’s expertise in designing advanced medical interior solutions, with QAI Aviation managing the installation, paint, and avionics integration, resulting in a turnkey aircraft ready for critical care missions.   

QAI’s EC135 single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR) supplemental type certificate (STC) enables single-pilot operations, drastically reducing operational costs while maximizing efficiency. With only one pilot required, the aircraft benefits from significant weight savings and increased room for patients and medical equipment, ensuring optimal utilization of resources. Life Flight Network’s EC135 is also equipped with the latest Garmin technology, including the GRA 55 radar altimeter and 5G filter, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The integration of the GI 275 standby instrument further enhances operational efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple standby pieces of equipment. 

Spectrum Aeromed’s contributions to the interior include a rear-loading patient gurney, three attendant seats, and a 10L liquid oxygen (LOX) system – the first of its kind certified for in-cabin use at this capacity. The solution also features ceiling valance provisions for radios and controls and multiple mounting options for medical devices, allowing Life Flight Network to tailor the configuration to their specific needs. The project is currently undergoing FAA STC certification, led by Spectrum Aeromed, with completion anticipated in 2025. 

Casey Seckel, Chief Clinical Officer of Life Flight Network, commented: “The increased oxygen supply extends our mission range, and the seamless process between these two companies ensures we receive the highest-quality solution without complexity. Working with trusted partners who understand our operational needs us gives us complete confidence in the result.” 

This collaboration ensures that Life Flight Network will receive a fully integrated aircraft with a complete medical configuration, ready to serve patients.

The EC135 project is part of a broader initiative by Spectrum Aeromed to provide fleet compatibility and platform flexibility for customers, offering one source for parts, service, and training across multiple aircraft types. 

This fully equipped aircraft, designed with advanced features to enhance patient care and safety, will be on display at the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) on 4–6 November 2024, in Salt Lake City in the US state of Utah.

QAI Aviation recently announced an expansion of its operations through an asset purchase that includes expanded hangar space at Rostraver Airport, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.