PPRuNe Forums

PPRuNe Forums (https://www.pprune.org/)
-   Rotorheads (https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads-23/)
-   -   EMS Saudi Arabia (https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/397874-ems-saudi-arabia.html)

JAA/FAA Pilot 4th Dec 2009 16:32

EMS Saudi Arabia
 
There has been some talk about a new EMS operation in Saudi that supposedly started around September/October. Anyone knows how this is coming along?
Have not heard much, except some rumors that it has failed. Any truth to that?

9Aplus 4th Dec 2009 17:23

One of their people is present here...he will respond for sure.

So far I know no fail, they had test run during Hajj time,
6 x MD 902 should be up from JAN 2010.

mfriskel 5th Dec 2009 00:10

They are currently looking for qualified workers- pilots and mechs. I wouldn't call that a fail right now.

Ned-Air2Air 5th Dec 2009 00:48

Was actually chatting with the guy putting it all together the other day as well as a friend from Kuwait who has supplied them two machines, with more coming, and its all going well.

Ned

hems902medic 8th Dec 2009 01:09

new to the site but have been aware of it for some time so 1stly hello :ok:.
whats the current news on working as a medic out there and what sort of money are they paying?

bandit19 8th Dec 2009 09:16

Medics beware
 
Hems Medic,

You may also want to inquire about "blood money" :uhoh:

If some Sheik has a roll over ejection, you better make sure he still has a heart beat until he is no longer your responsibility. :E

Notar fan 9th Dec 2009 04:30

Bandit.... sent you a PM on this.

WTEngel 9th Dec 2009 05:23

I am actually one of the medical personnel currently being recruited for this operation. I am slated to deploy mid January berring any unforseen circumstances.

So far I have heard they are on target to begin in the early part of 2010 (January / February). They are taking it slow and safe, which should be the case with an operation like this.

Tq Monster 10th Dec 2009 12:11

Why on earth
 
Why on earth did they choose the MD902 for their EMS aircraft? Surely with MD's recent spares scarcity and problems it would make anybody think twice about basing an EMS service on an aircraft that may not be reliable. Let alone having your whole fleet as one type.

It concerns me that if a serious fault is found with the 902 fleet most of the Air Ambulance aircraft in the UK will be grounded leaving great tracks of England with very limited coverage.

I'm reminded of a saying that goes "Never fly the 'A' model of anything"

If it is about money then I suggest we all start hoarding petrol.

N.B Sorry if I rambled a bit but it's after lunch and it's warm in the office :)

mfriskel 10th Dec 2009 13:27

Who said it would be 100% MD902?
I am sure the Explorer was picked initially for it's demonstrated ability and reliability in the hostile environment of the Middle East. It has a good cabin size with little obstruction and allows full body access, has great performance and is not limited to lower than useful weights in the summer months, and has shown great reliability.
The acft has a small foot-print and generates a relatively low amount of rotorwash which is invaluable in some of the places called to go to in that environment. You do not have to download fuel to remain at usefull HEMS weights in the summer. The lack of tail rotor and very high main rotor are ideal for HEMS scene work.
It is unfortunate that MD did not stop their turn-around in 2007/2008, as it appears to have turned completely around and now resembles the MD of 2004/2005. Without parts suppport, no matter how reliable the Explorer is, it still becomes a paperweight with the first AOG. With consitant support it could have been a world leader in class, as long as you don't need extended fuel range.

helihog 10th Dec 2009 14:40

WT
 
Check your PM

WTEngel 10th Dec 2009 22:03

I would have to agree with all of the points friskal made about why to choose the MD Explorer.

For any pilots interested, the website is EMS Saudi Arabia. Further employment info is there, although the info is primarily for medical personnel, they do have an application portion for pilots and mechanics I do believe.

Anyone on here currently in the recruitment process?

ppheli 13th Dec 2009 06:48

There's an advert for pilots here to start 1st Jan

Flaxton Flyer 13th Dec 2009 09:14

TQ MONSTER -

"It concerns me that if a serious fault is found with the 902 fleet most of the Air Ambulance aircraft in the UK will be grounded leaving great tracks of England with very limited coverage"

Not so. As AA operations in the UK use more EC135s that 902s, perhaps you should be more concerned about a serious fault with them?

"I'm reminded of a saying that goes "Never fly the 'A' model of anything"

Who is flying an "A" model? The "A" model of the Explorer was the MD900. the "B" model was the MD902 with P+W 206 engines. The current ("C") model is the MD902 with P+W 207 engines.

PANews 21st Dec 2009 16:22

It looks as if the new service has had its launch ceremony...

Red Crescent’s air ambulance service launched

... but I guess that the ceremony does not necessarily mean there is a service!:rolleyes:

molen 23rd Dec 2009 16:00

SRCA service officially "launched" on 20 Dec
 
The press report mentions 3 helicopters are already in service in Riyadh province.

Have all the former United Aviation MD Explorers been transferred ?

Which MD Explorers are now operating with the SRCA ?

mfriskel 23rd Dec 2009 16:14

UA has only received 1 Explorer so far. I guess that would mean that all of UA's Explorers are on duty in KSA.

vortexadminman 23rd Dec 2009 21:45

God it never stops does it? MD902 vs EC135 fans. Always a bit of slagging here and a bit of rumour (heard in their own non biased/ PC friendly crew room) there. I know this is a rumour network of course but just pleeeeeeeeeease can we admit that the MD 902 and the EC135 are BOTH fecking good HEMS( EMS) machines and let the people ( paramedics and doctors and the people who work with them and pay the bills for them ) sort out which one they prefer. This thread was about a new Air Ambulance OP starting up and it has already slid down to why that AC ? why not this one? which is probably posted by the person who is type rated and current on it of course !!!!
Yes I know all of us here are pilots and put in our two pence worth of advise here and there, and 99% of it is good stuff learnt from people who had a " I learn t from that " situation but please stop the my machine is the dogs nob and your is cats wee......... it gets tedious. Chances are you will have change your point of view sharpish if you contract gets cancelled!!!

DeltaNg 23rd Dec 2009 22:01

well I think the bolkow is the dogs nob and everybody should be updgrading..:}

Ned-Air2Air 24th Dec 2009 01:58

First United Aviation 902 is in country, was only in Kuwait for matter of weeks, before heading off deeper into the sandpit.

It would have been there sooner had MD delivered ON TIME :ugh::ugh: It was supposed to be delivered straight after Heli Expo in Feb but they finally got it around November time frame, gotta love MD NOT. :mad:

As soon as second one gets delivered to Kuwait it will get turned around and head to Saudi as well. United have the contract to supply all the helos and I know they are looking for some more 902s if anyone knows of any.

Ned


All times are GMT. The time now is 13:46.


Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.