Flying Doctor unveils new aircraft
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
Flying was slow and risky when what would become the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) made its first flight at Cloncurry in 1928.
The De Havilland DH 50A biplane cruised at 150 kilometres per hour.
Today, the RFDS Queensland section unveiled its latest addition to the fleet that travels four times faster than that.
The first of seven Beechcraft King Air B360s has been in Australia for several months, being fitted out as a flying intensive care unit.
RFDS Queensland CEO, Meredith Staib, said the new planes will fly further and faster, with enhanced patient comfort and reduced pilot workload.
“We’re extremely excited to launch the first of this ground-breaking new fleet.
It’s a key part of our 10-year aircraft replacement strategy to ensure our crews can continue to deliver first-class aeromedical care to Queenslanders.
“Like all RFDS services, this new aircraft and its innovative fit-out simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of Queensland Health and our amazing donors, fundraisers, and partners.
“To each and every one of you, thank you for your incredible support.
“The new B360 fleet will enhance our inter-hospital transfer service, which provides the backbone to the Queensland Health Aeromedical System, and is delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government.”
Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner, said the enhancement of the RFDS fleet is great news for people living in regional and remote areas of Queensland.
“Assets like these only enhance the capacity of this iconic organisation to help save lives.
“Keeping the RFDS fleet at the cutting edge of medical aviation is critically important.”
RFDS Queensland Head of Flying Operations, Shane Lawrey, said the new B360 will join the existing fleet of 20 King Air aircraft, which travelled more than eight million kilometres across Queensland in the past year.
“The B360 aircraft will be the fastest twin turboprop aeromedical King Air aircraft in the country.
“Along with reducing pilot workload, the upgraded engines, five bladed composite propellers, and anti-skid braking system will enhance aircraft performance and efficiency – allowing our crews to fly further and faster to reach patients.
“Advancements in the cockpit, such as the digital pressurisation controller, will also increase the overall comfort for patients during a flight.”
RFDS Queensland Nurse Manager, Maree Cummins, said the cabin has been designed to provide the finest care in the air.
“The back of the cabin has been specially customised to make use of every inch of space and create an intensive care unit in the sky.
“The innovative stretcher system, which integrates seamlessly with Queensland Ambulance Service stretchers, is also a first-of-its-kind for fixed-wing aircraft in Queensland.
“It will make it quicker and easier to transfer patients on and off the aircraft.”
The aircraft unveiled today will come into operation next month, and a second has arrived in Australia for fit-out.
The remaining five aircraft will be ferried to Australia over the next 18 months.
