At AirCARE1, we commit to providing the highest level of care to our patients. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond delivering superior air medical transports—it extends to the equipment and aircraft that make our services possible. We proudly announce that our expert team of full-time mechanics, Richard Deland (Director of Maintenance), Layton Hart (Lead Mechanic), and Neal Phearson (Mechanic), completed a major milestone – the 12-year inspection of one of our Lear60 aircraft entirely in-house.
The team completed the inspection impeccably. This past week, our pilots successfully conducted the aircraft’s first test flight post-inspection, with all systems performing flawlessly—without any squawks or discrepancies. This achievement marks a significant milestone, further demonstrating our team’s exceptional skill and precision.
What Does a 12-Year Inspection Entail?
At AirCARE1, we prioritize safety and reliability, especially when it comes to our aircraft. Our mission is to ensure that every flight provides the highest standard of care for our patients. As part of our stringent safety protocols, our team regularly inspects each aircraft to maintain optimal performance. Our mechanics conduct the 12-year inspection of the Lear60, one of the most detailed and labor-intensive processes, requiring over 2000 hours of work and a significant investment to ensure all systems function at their best.
The 12-year inspection goes far beyond routine maintenance for AirCARE1; our team performs an exhaustive evaluation to ensure the aircraft remains structurally sound, mechanically flawless, and fully equipped to carry out the critical work of air ambulance transport.
A Thorough Inspection Driven by Our Dedicated In-House Mechanic Experts
Over the past four months, our team of two highly trained, licensed in-house mechanics, along with a new recruit, dedicated more than 2,000 hours to inspecting every aspect of the Lear60. This thorough process involved not only checking visible components but also disassembling parts to assess internal systems and structural integrity, ensuring the aircraft remains safe, reliable, and ready for service.
The 12-year inspection, a major investment mandated by the FAA, ensures that our aircraft remains in optimal condition for safe and reliable operations. By completing the inspection and upgrades entirely in-house, AirCARE1 saved nearly 25% of the cost it would have incurred by outsourcing, demonstrating our team’s efficiency and expertise. These costs covered both the labor of our dedicated mechanics and the replacement or upgrading of key components, including high-tech avionics, critical systems, and more. This process ensures that our aircraft remain equipped with the latest technologies, enhancing both performance and safety.
Having full-time, experienced mechanics on staff sets AirCARE1 apart, allowing us to provide the care and attention our fleet requires. The time, resources, and dedication invested in this inspection reflect our unwavering commitment to patient safety and aircraft reliability. Completing this extensive inspection proves the skill, dedication, and hard work of our in-house team, who go above and beyond to ensure our fleet stays ready for service. Their expertise is vital to AirCARE1’s operations, ensuring our aircraft remain in optimal condition to carry out life-saving missions. Thanks to their commitment to excellence, we can confidently return the Lear60 to service, knowing it remains fully prepared to continue providing safe, efficient air ambulance services.
Key Areas Covered in the 12-Year Inspection
- Structural Integrity: The airframe undergoes an exhaustive inspection to identify any wear, fatigue, corrosion, or potential stress points.
- X-Ray and Eddy Current Inspections: Advanced techniques are used to detect cracks or fatigue in major structural components that are not visible to the naked eye, ensuring the aircraft remains structurally sound.
- Engine and System Checks: Engines, hydraulic systems, avionics, and electrical systems are rigorously tested to ensure optimal performance.
- Fuel System Inspections: A comprehensive dismantling and inspection of the fuel system and fuselage tanks is conducted to prevent leaks or blockages.
- Interior and Medical Equipment: The aircraft’s interior, including seating, storage, and onboard medical equipment, is thoroughly checked to ensure everything is fully functional for patient care during transport.
- Upgrades and Modifications: Outdated components are replaced, ensuring the aircraft remains state-of-the-art and reliable, which is essential for maintaining long-term performance.
Expanding Our Fleet and Services
Now that our team has completed the 12-year inspection on the Lear60, we’re proud to have two Lear60 aircraft back in service, ready to respond quickly to critical medical transports. With two operational aircraft, we can expand our reach and availability, ensuring that patients receive transport to the care they need, faster and more efficiently. AirCARE1 provides air ambulance services across North, South, and Central America.
One of the most exciting benefits of returning the second aircraft to service is the ability to increase our operations to and from Mexico. AirCARE1 stands as one of the few air ambulance providers with special authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority in Mexico to operate in the country. This unique authorization allows us to enter and exit Mexico easily and quickly using a blanket permit.
Quick Access to Mexico Once Again
In a medical emergency in Mexico, every second counts. AirCARE1’s blanket permit gives us the ability to respond to calls in Mexico and provide critical care with much faster turnaround times than many other U.S. based air ambulance providers. Most air ambulance companies cannot obtain this permit, which means they may face delays in gaining access to Mexico. These delays could be critical in life-threatening situations, where every minute counts.
With this exclusive permit, AirCARE1 bypasses the common bureaucratic hurdles that typically delay air ambulance operations in Mexico, allowing us to reach patients quickly and efficiently—usually within hours, and always within a day.
A Commitment to Excellence
At AirCARE1, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to excellence across every aspect of our operations. With our in-house mechanics’ successful completion of the 12-year inspection and their ongoing dedication, we proudly maintain the highest standards of safety, reliability, and patient care. Our fully equipped fleet of Lear60 aircraft stands ready to provide world-class medical transport, ensuring we meet patient needs promptly and with the utmost care, wherever and whenever they arise.
Get A Quote For Your Air Ambulance Needs
We are honored to serve our patients and look forward to providing exceptional care to our patients for many years to come. If you or a loved one requires air ambulance services, we’re here to help. Contact us for a personalized quote and experience fast, safe, and reliable transport for critical care patients. Our team is committed to ensuring your peace of mind every step of the way.
