The delivery of the first two new MSP AW139 helicopters scheduled for May 1 is being delayed. The MSP and MIEMSS have decided to alter the fit of some EMS specific equipment. The change order has postponed the delivery indefinitely. However, the program is on budget, and there is sufficient contingency funding to cover the change order.
Gazette.Net: Delivery of new Medevac helicopters, scheduled for May 1, put on hold
There is discussion in a separate article about problems with the Aerolite medical interior - which is what is being installed on the MSP AW139s. Apparently there are clearance issues when personnel need to perform CPR - which is weird because the AW139 is a rather large helicopter.
http://www.helihub.com/2012/02/09/aw139-ems-interiors-its-not-just-an-ornge-problem/
Police Aviation News reports that other issues are involved as well regarding the certification / operation of single or dual pilot IFR, a decision that has been apparently deferred. Worst case scenario see delivery in December 2012.
Gazette.Net: Delivery of new Medevac helicopters, scheduled for May 1, put on hold
There is discussion in a separate article about problems with the Aerolite medical interior - which is what is being installed on the MSP AW139s. Apparently there are clearance issues when personnel need to perform CPR - which is weird because the AW139 is a rather large helicopter.
http://www.helihub.com/2012/02/09/aw139-ems-interiors-its-not-just-an-ornge-problem/
Police Aviation News reports that other issues are involved as well regarding the certification / operation of single or dual pilot IFR, a decision that has been apparently deferred. Worst case scenario see delivery in December 2012.
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