Pel Air to run NSW Air Ambulance
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NSW, Australia
Age: 42
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Some of those funds will need to beef up some of the helipads that are out there.... even the current rotary wing fleet can’t land when too fat on some pads.
It’d sure get some stickybeakers out looking when bringing a v22 over the burbs blowing the washing off some clothesline’s.... it’d be a lovely sight I reckon.
I cant really see any disadvantage to the PC-24 except some strips the Kingair may be better suited to. Modern jet, what extra time does it need to prepare and get under way than a similar sized turbo-prop? Once airborne it will be faster en-route and it doesn't suffer the slow downs of commercial traffic if its operating medical priority. If you are comparing two airliners fair enough, but even then these days a 737 can get airborne not much slower than a dash-8 from start of taxi, most of the delay is just securing the cabin. And as said above the jet will have far better weather avoidance and altitude capabilities, as well as better prioritisation when not on medical priority. Pretty sure a medivac from Broken Hill to Sydney or Melbourne would be noticeably faster in the PC-24 than any turboprop. It also gives the opportunity to fly the patient closer to the specialist, or the specialist to the patient faster and in more comfort to get prepared. BTW the PC-24 is designed for these ops, it's not some 40 year old airframe re-jigged for aeromed.
Then there's reliability as well, I think the joke going around one section in early PC24 days was along the lines of - What's the speed difference between the PC12 and PC24? 265 knots. Might be improved now, but the 12 is still a mature aeroplane with almost all of the flaws ironed out.
The jets certainly avoid the weather better, but for everything except the far west of NSW - the time savings for patients exist only on paper.
Again, can't speak to King Airs, but as for 12 vs 24 - the 12NG is exceptionally quick to get going. Only functional test required is the stick pusher, almost everything else is just check that it's in AUTO. 5-6 minutes between doors shut and take-off. 24 at least double that. Loading also signifcantly slower on the 24 - have to remove the back stretcher every time you load or unload, and your primary retrieval isn't going to be on the back stretcher as it's a hard one to access in flight when they arrest. Loader design on the 24 more complex, longer setup and packdown.
Then there's reliability as well, I think the joke going around one section in early PC24 days was along the lines of - What's the speed difference between the PC12 and PC24? 265 knots. Might be improved now, but the 12 is still a mature aeroplane with almost all of the flaws ironed out.
The jets certainly avoid the weather better, but for everything except the far west of NSW - the time savings for patients exist only on paper.
Then there's reliability as well, I think the joke going around one section in early PC24 days was along the lines of - What's the speed difference between the PC12 and PC24? 265 knots. Might be improved now, but the 12 is still a mature aeroplane with almost all of the flaws ironed out.
The jets certainly avoid the weather better, but for everything except the far west of NSW - the time savings for patients exist only on paper.
You are right in terms of how quick a -12 is to get going. It takes hardly any time at all and it is probably twice as quick from doors closed to taxying than the -24.
However, comparing the -24 to a King Air is a totally different matter. I've observed dozens (probably hundreds) of King Airs loading, starting, and getting going and they seem to take forever.
I wouldn't be surprised if the PC24 was as quick or quicker than the King Air in that regard these days.
It needs to be remembered that when the PC24 first arrived it was an entirely new aircraft being operated by pilots / organisations that had never operated jets before.
Initially the checklists were extremely long and laborious to go through.
Pilatus has massively tidied these up now to the point they are virtually unrecognisable compared to the first versions, and after the first sector of the day it is actually quite quick to get going. The transit checklist has eliminated probably 60-70% of what was initially being done every start.
As far as loading goes, I don't know where you get you info from, but for us it is absolutely not necessary to remove the rear RHS stretcher to load / unload the others.
You do need to remove the LHS stretcher to get to the front one, but 90% of the time you either have a patient on that stretcher or luggage so it would have to come off anyway. If you're on a primary retrieval where you don't need that stretcher, why did you take it? You don't have to.
Overall though it does take longer to load / unload than the PC12, but is it any longer than a King Air? Not so sure about that.
I'd also like to see the $/nm for a B350/360 compared to a PC24. Of course I'd expect the jet to be more expensive but I bet the gap isn't as much as some people seem to think.
Finally, in terms of reliability, there were definitely some teething problems at the start but this aircraft is a brand new design, not some 50 year old banger in a new frock.
Name another entirely new aircraft that hasn't had a few issues in the early days.
When the PC12 first came out there were all sorts of problems. Now they are one of the most reliable aircraft in the world with a safety record the old designs can only dream of. Give the -24 a few more years and the kinks will be ironed out as well. It's already much more reliable than it was a year or two ago.
It's hard to understand some of the negativity in this place. It really is.
You've got a state of the art medical jet that can carry 50% more patients on any flight (or several more sitters), fly much further much faster in more comfort with more room in a whisper quiet cabin. For the pilots it's a delight to fly and the medical team a pleasure to be in, and - most importantly - for the patients it's on another level than anything even the best turboprop could offer.
As I've said before, it'll never replace the workhorses that do such a great job day in day out.
It's not meant to. But it complements them and adds another layer of capability which people (especially, on here, pilots) should be happy about.
The last I heard from an engineer working for them at Mascot was $108K salary for both pilots and engineers. 4/4 rotating roster. No idea if this has changed in the last few months with the PC24 on its way.
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Year 1 is $150,000 once checked to line.
Fantastic if it is 150K - but still not enough to keep people. Quite a big jump from the 103K just a year ago.
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Any truth that the wage is about $170,000 now, which includes a component paid from NSW government? Good money and nice to see aeromedical crews getting decent pay in Sydney.
Heard the Pilatus on frequency last week, must be proving flights.
Heard the Pilatus on frequency last week, must be proving flights.
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Pelair undercut all of the other providers for the contract, and is now complaining that they cant afford to run the contract. Sources tell me that they are dropping anywhere from 20-50% of their shifts on a daily basis, it must be getting expensive for them.
Media release from the NSW Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, 15 December 2023.
Two state-of-the-art jet aircraft will soon join the NSW Ambulance fleet, optimising response times for patients in rural and regional areas.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said for the first time, NSW Ambulance will have 2 new Pilatus PC-24 jet aircraft in its fleet, as part of a $54.3 million boost to increase the capability of Aeromedical Operations.
“These 2 new jets are equipped with the latest technology and medical equipment to better serve our patients, flight nurses, doctors and pilots,” Mr Park said.
“These jets can fly faster and further without the need for refuelling and they will be an invaluable resource for communities in regional, rural and remote NSW.
“Whether responding to a motor vehicle accident or transferring a critically ill patient from a regional hospital to a tertiary health facility, these PC-24 aircraft will be a major boost for the health of regional and remote communities throughout NSW.
“NSW Ambulance is the first state government ambulance service in Australia to specifically design the PC-24 interior and patient fit-out for aeromedical operations.”
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan said flight nurse training has now commenced for the PC-24 jets.
“Our dedicated team of flight nurses, doctors and pilots already provide high-level clinical care for all patients throughout NSW,” Dr Morgan said.
“That level of care will be enhanced thanks to the increased range, speed and optimised internal medical fit-out of these aircraft.
“These two new jets will complement the existing five Beechcraft King Air 350C planes in the NSW Ambulance fleet.”
The new PC-24 aircraft will be operated and maintained by Pel-Air, as part of a 10-year contract with NSW Ambulance.
Pel-Air Chairman, the Hon. John Sharp AM, said these will be the first jet aircraft to join the NSW Ambulance fleet.
“Pel-Air congratulates NSW Ambulance for making this significant visionary investment in aerial emergency medical response,” Mr Sharp said.
“This aircraft is a game changer for aeromedical services in a state as vast as NSW, and will help NSW Ambulance save lives."
Aerolite, Switzerland and Total Aerospace Solutions in Sydney have been contracted to complete the medical fit out of the Pilatus PC-24s.
Member for Heffron Minister Ron Hoenig joined Minister Park at Sydney airport to take a first look at the new aircraft.
“NSW Ambulance has an incredible aeromedical history and have been operating one of its bases out of Kingsford Smith for more than 55 years,” Mr Hoenig said.
“I am sure these state of the art new planes will make a welcome addition to operations based out of Mascot, when they enter service next year.”
NSW Ambulance Fixed Wing Operations clinicians transport more than 6000 patients every year.
Both PC-24s aircraft will be ready to take to the skies to treat and transport patients by mid-2024.
Two state-of-the-art jet aircraft will soon join the NSW Ambulance fleet, optimising response times for patients in rural and regional areas.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said for the first time, NSW Ambulance will have 2 new Pilatus PC-24 jet aircraft in its fleet, as part of a $54.3 million boost to increase the capability of Aeromedical Operations.
“These 2 new jets are equipped with the latest technology and medical equipment to better serve our patients, flight nurses, doctors and pilots,” Mr Park said.
“These jets can fly faster and further without the need for refuelling and they will be an invaluable resource for communities in regional, rural and remote NSW.
“Whether responding to a motor vehicle accident or transferring a critically ill patient from a regional hospital to a tertiary health facility, these PC-24 aircraft will be a major boost for the health of regional and remote communities throughout NSW.
“NSW Ambulance is the first state government ambulance service in Australia to specifically design the PC-24 interior and patient fit-out for aeromedical operations.”
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan said flight nurse training has now commenced for the PC-24 jets.
“Our dedicated team of flight nurses, doctors and pilots already provide high-level clinical care for all patients throughout NSW,” Dr Morgan said.
“That level of care will be enhanced thanks to the increased range, speed and optimised internal medical fit-out of these aircraft.
“These two new jets will complement the existing five Beechcraft King Air 350C planes in the NSW Ambulance fleet.”
The new PC-24 aircraft will be operated and maintained by Pel-Air, as part of a 10-year contract with NSW Ambulance.
Pel-Air Chairman, the Hon. John Sharp AM, said these will be the first jet aircraft to join the NSW Ambulance fleet.
“Pel-Air congratulates NSW Ambulance for making this significant visionary investment in aerial emergency medical response,” Mr Sharp said.
“This aircraft is a game changer for aeromedical services in a state as vast as NSW, and will help NSW Ambulance save lives."
Aerolite, Switzerland and Total Aerospace Solutions in Sydney have been contracted to complete the medical fit out of the Pilatus PC-24s.
Member for Heffron Minister Ron Hoenig joined Minister Park at Sydney airport to take a first look at the new aircraft.
“NSW Ambulance has an incredible aeromedical history and have been operating one of its bases out of Kingsford Smith for more than 55 years,” Mr Hoenig said.
“I am sure these state of the art new planes will make a welcome addition to operations based out of Mascot, when they enter service next year.”
NSW Ambulance Fixed Wing Operations clinicians transport more than 6000 patients every year.
Both PC-24s aircraft will be ready to take to the skies to treat and transport patients by mid-2024.
Media release from the NSW Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, 15 December 2023.
Two state-of-the-art jet aircraft will soon join the NSW Ambulance fleet, optimising response times for patients in rural and regional areas.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said for the first time, NSW Ambulance will have 2 new Pilatus PC-24 jet aircraft in its fleet, as part of a $54.3 million boost to increase the capability of Aeromedical Operations.
“These 2 new jets are equipped with the latest technology and medical equipment to better serve our patients, flight nurses, doctors and pilots,” Mr Park said.
“These jets can fly faster and further without the need for refuelling and they will be an invaluable resource for communities in regional, rural and remote NSW.
“Whether responding to a motor vehicle accident or transferring a critically ill patient from a regional hospital to a tertiary health facility, these PC-24 aircraft will be a major boost for the health of regional and remote communities throughout NSW.
“NSW Ambulance is the first state government ambulance service in Australia to specifically design the PC-24 interior and patient fit-out for aeromedical operations.”
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan said flight nurse training has now commenced for the PC-24 jets.
“Our dedicated team of flight nurses, doctors and pilots already provide high-level clinical care for all patients throughout NSW,” Dr Morgan said.
“That level of care will be enhanced thanks to the increased range, speed and optimised internal medical fit-out of these aircraft.
“These two new jets will complement the existing five Beechcraft King Air 350C planes in the NSW Ambulance fleet.”
The new PC-24 aircraft will be operated and maintained by Pel-Air, as part of a 10-year contract with NSW Ambulance.
Pel-Air Chairman, the Hon. John Sharp AM, said these will be the first jet aircraft to join the NSW Ambulance fleet.
“Pel-Air congratulates NSW Ambulance for making this significant visionary investment in aerial emergency medical response,” Mr Sharp said.
“This aircraft is a game changer for aeromedical services in a state as vast as NSW, and will help NSW Ambulance save lives."
Aerolite, Switzerland and Total Aerospace Solutions in Sydney have been contracted to complete the medical fit out of the Pilatus PC-24s.
Member for Heffron Minister Ron Hoenig joined Minister Park at Sydney airport to take a first look at the new aircraft.
“NSW Ambulance has an incredible aeromedical history and have been operating one of its bases out of Kingsford Smith for more than 55 years,” Mr Hoenig said.
“I am sure these state of the art new planes will make a welcome addition to operations based out of Mascot, when they enter service next year.”
NSW Ambulance Fixed Wing Operations clinicians transport more than 6000 patients every year.
Both PC-24s aircraft will be ready to take to the skies to treat and transport patients by mid-2024.
Two state-of-the-art jet aircraft will soon join the NSW Ambulance fleet, optimising response times for patients in rural and regional areas.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said for the first time, NSW Ambulance will have 2 new Pilatus PC-24 jet aircraft in its fleet, as part of a $54.3 million boost to increase the capability of Aeromedical Operations.
“These 2 new jets are equipped with the latest technology and medical equipment to better serve our patients, flight nurses, doctors and pilots,” Mr Park said.
“These jets can fly faster and further without the need for refuelling and they will be an invaluable resource for communities in regional, rural and remote NSW.
“Whether responding to a motor vehicle accident or transferring a critically ill patient from a regional hospital to a tertiary health facility, these PC-24 aircraft will be a major boost for the health of regional and remote communities throughout NSW.
“NSW Ambulance is the first state government ambulance service in Australia to specifically design the PC-24 interior and patient fit-out for aeromedical operations.”
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan said flight nurse training has now commenced for the PC-24 jets.
“Our dedicated team of flight nurses, doctors and pilots already provide high-level clinical care for all patients throughout NSW,” Dr Morgan said.
“That level of care will be enhanced thanks to the increased range, speed and optimised internal medical fit-out of these aircraft.
“These two new jets will complement the existing five Beechcraft King Air 350C planes in the NSW Ambulance fleet.”
The new PC-24 aircraft will be operated and maintained by Pel-Air, as part of a 10-year contract with NSW Ambulance.
Pel-Air Chairman, the Hon. John Sharp AM, said these will be the first jet aircraft to join the NSW Ambulance fleet.
“Pel-Air congratulates NSW Ambulance for making this significant visionary investment in aerial emergency medical response,” Mr Sharp said.
“This aircraft is a game changer for aeromedical services in a state as vast as NSW, and will help NSW Ambulance save lives."
Aerolite, Switzerland and Total Aerospace Solutions in Sydney have been contracted to complete the medical fit out of the Pilatus PC-24s.
Member for Heffron Minister Ron Hoenig joined Minister Park at Sydney airport to take a first look at the new aircraft.
“NSW Ambulance has an incredible aeromedical history and have been operating one of its bases out of Kingsford Smith for more than 55 years,” Mr Hoenig said.
“I am sure these state of the art new planes will make a welcome addition to operations based out of Mascot, when they enter service next year.”
NSW Ambulance Fixed Wing Operations clinicians transport more than 6000 patients every year.
Both PC-24s aircraft will be ready to take to the skies to treat and transport patients by mid-2024.