New Air Life helicopter visits Ranch

A precision Monday morning landing at Black Butte Ranch’s Big Meadow field was an introduction for the gathered crowd to see Air Life’s new helicopter, the EC-145.

Made in Germany and with an interior outfitted in Switzerland, the $5.7 million craft is a marvel to see. Safety features abound on the inside and outside of the helicopter, which can carry multiple patients.

Average transport time from BBR to St. Charles Medical Center will be 12 minutes flying at 140-145 knots per hour. The EC-145 fuel capacity is 220 gallons — enough for three hours of flight for its 700 horsepower engine. The craft’s maximum altitude is 18,000 feet.

Asked what he thought of the new emergency craft, BBR fire chief Ed Sherrell said, “It’s great to be able to carry two patients. Santiam Pass accidents have that need many times.”

Also brought along for the morning demonstration was Air Life’s older Bell 222UT helicopter. It also has a 700 horsepower engine but weighs 1,000 pounds more than the new EC-145, pilot Bill Conklin told the group. The use of lighter weight, high-tech materials produces the weight difference.

“The older model takes about two minutes cool down time, while our new craft shuts down almost immediately,” Conklin said.

The new EC-145 will be housed at St. Charles Medical Center, ready for emergency calls.