Aircraft/Safety Technologies/Pilots
The flagship aircraft for Methodist AirCare is the Eurocopter EC-135, a twin-turbine engine helicopter renowned for its outstanding reliability and maneuverability. Its IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) rating gives Methodist AirCare the ability to perform in almost any weather condition, even when others cannot. For added safety, the aircraft is equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) and TAWS (Terrain Avoidance Warning Systems). Pilots for Methodist AirCare average over 5,000 hours as a pilot-in-command and are all instrument-rated and current under a rigid training and check-ride program controlled by the FAA. Not only are Methodist AirCare pilots familiar with South Texas terrain, their training with NVG (Night Vision Goggles) technology allows them to perform life-saving operations in the darkest conditions.