BK117 Fitout for Search and Rescue Services
Recently Flight Structures was involved with the refit of ZK-HEP, which can be seen all around the North Island as it covers many of the operational bases whilst other helicopters are getting serviced. The MBB -BK117 B2 made a visit to our hangar where installation occurred.
Flight Structures designed, manufactured and certified the stretcher floor and seat pillar mounts to attach the seats to the helicopter floor. We also installed the FSL designed dual equipment mount which allows installation of equipment to the rotorcraft wall fittings. In ZK-HEP a ventilator and defibrillator/monitor are attached to the mount to allow excellent in flight medical care.
The workshop team, led by Brett Purchase, worked extremely hard to a tight deadline and after less than two days it was back in service, and as this is written a week later, HEP is down in Taranaki working. As you can see some of the team liked posing with HEP……
Flight Structures in the news......
FSL feature in June 2020 edition of NZ Aviation News.
NZ Aviation News featured the Flight Structures rear cabin fitout of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust’s Leonardo AW169 in their June 2020 issue. Thanks to John King for the great photography, and to Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust for their assistance in putting this article together.
Video Footage of Westpac Rescue Aero Medical Fitout
Flight Structures have developed a full aero medical installation for Westpac Rescue Auckland. The kit is in use on both their AW169 aircraft. Included in the footage is the RULS Stretcher Loading System, the THRULS Hospital Rotorcraft Trolley, a Stretcher Bridge System, Oxygen System and Storage Racks. The RULS and Oxygen System both have CAANZ STC.
We thank Westpac Rescue Auckland for allowing the footage to be taken. The RULS is a zero lift system where the stretcher is in a longitudinal position during flight to enable the best patient care, and rotates to transverse for loading from a stretcher trolley.
Thanks to Daniel Greenwood of Avocado Media for capturing the footage at Auckland Hospital and Ardmore Airport. Here is a link to Daniel’s details.
Trolley developed for AW169 Medical Fitout
Flight Structures has developed a trolley to work with the RULS (Rotorcraft Utility Loading System). The trolley can be transported in the locker of the aircraft so it is available wherever and whenever needed. The trolley can take a patient or an incubator and allows smooth zero lift loading. We have named the trolley the THRULS (Trolley for Hospital Rotorcrat Utility Loading System).
As seen below the THRULS is designed to integrate with the Lifeport Stretcher.
NOSE CONES FOR WESTPAC RESCUE-AUCKLAND
Flight Structures fitted two weatherproof nose cones to Westpac Rescue – Auckland for ZK-HLN & ZK-HKZ, their BK117-850 D2 Helicopters.
Flight Structures fitted two weatherproof nose cones to Westpac Rescue – Auckland for ZK-HLN & ZK-HKZ, their BK117-850 D2 Helicopters. Rescue aircraft have to work in a wide variety of conditions, and this modification ensures cockpit avionics remain dry. The modified profile accommodates the weather radar. Jon Kerr, CEO of Flight Structures commented, “We managed to supply the nose cones within a tight timeline, and worked effectively with the crew to ensure a successful installation. The end result was excellent, and the Trust are extremely happy with the performance of the nose cones."
The Auckland based Westpac Rescue Helicopter is staffed full-time by a highly experienced flight crew consisting of pilots, paramedics and crewmen, and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Here is a link to their website.
HELICOPTER MEDICAL REFIT COMPLETE
Flight Structures have completed the internal refit of a BK117 for emergency medical services (EMS).
Flight Structures have completed the internal refit of a BK117 for emergency medical services (EMS).
The refit consisted of the installation of a Stryker stretcher and two triple seats, medical oxygen system, and an avionics shelf. The Flight Structures cabin seats were designed to be comfortable and provide clear space under the seat base for stowage of equipment. Using space effectively is all important for EMS helicopters.
Other modifications installed include a new tail antenna mount, external LED lighting, a zoll monitor mount, a nose cone to accomodate radar and snow shoes.
Flight Structures CEO Jon Kerr states "This was a long and complex project; we had a restrictions in space, weight, timeframe and budget to juggle. The end result is a great aircraft for the operator, Philips Search and Rescue Trust, and for the Palmerston North and Whanganui region where it will be based."
Partnering organisations with the refit were The Clevedon Aeroplane Company, Pacific Aero Coatings, Rotorcraft, Matcraft, Hamilton Aero Avionics, and TechAir.
Please see our Products section for more details about the Flight Structures modifications.
Shown in the pictures is the Stryker Stretcher system, the 6 person Cabin seating, and Flight Structures Chief Draughtsman Clyde James with ZK IPT.
Here is a link to an Engineering News Article about the refit of IPT.
Here is a link to a Philips Search and Rescue Trust Article about IPT
MEDICAL REFIT OF PSRT WESTPAC AIR AMBULANCE
In December 2013 the Prime Minister John Key launched the new Waikato Westpac Air Ambulance (BK117 B-2) at Hamilton International Airport. Flight Structures played an important role in getting this aircraft in the air.
In December 2013 the Prime Minister John Key launched the new Waikato Westpac Air Ambulance (BK117 B-2) at Hamilton International Airport. Flight Structures played an important role in getting this aircraft in the air.
The Westpac Air Ambulance is used for both medical transfer and search and rescue operations and quick change of role equipment is vital when responding to various emergency scenarios.
Philips Search and Rescue Trust, (the operator) approached Flight Structures to develop a restraint system to accommodate both the Stryker and Ferno Stretchers. The design is unique because it allows a quick (less than one minute) changeover between systems.
Flight Structures was successful in gaining approval of the stretcher restraint design by issue of a CAA STC which may be incorporated on any BK117 helicopter operating in New Zealand or Australia.
Several other modifications were involved in the refit of the aircraft including:
Stretcher interface for carriage of Neo-Natal Incubators;
Skid mounted “Snow Shoes” to allow landing on soft terrain;
Weather Radar installation;
A/C electrical power supply;
LED spotlight for night time stretcher loading.
Flight Structures partnered with TechAir (avionics suite) and Hamilton Aero Maintenance (embodiment) to ensure that the BK117 met the operational requirements of the PSRT.
This project took approximately six months and has had positive feedback from both the Trust and the medical crew.
For more information about the Philips Search and Rescue Trust please click here.
