Life Flight Network Adds Jet to its Fleet

Falcon 50 to provide long distance transport capability

Life Flight Network (@LifeFlightNtwrk), the largest not-for-profit air medical transport service in the United States, announced it is now able to transport patients who need extended range medical transportation more efficiently. Recognizing the need to move critical patients over long distances, Life Flight Network purchased a Dassault Falcon 50. The mid-sized jet boasts worldwide capabilities, including non-stop flights to and from Hawaii and Alaska and anywhere in the continental United States. The aircraft went into service in early May and is based in Aurora, OR.

Few air medical programs offer aircraft with the speed, size, and capability of the Falcon 50. Patients can be transported more efficiently and comfortably, both domestically and internationally. The aircraft is also large enough to accommodate family members and their luggage. John Rice, Chief Fixed-Wing Pilot for Life Flight Network, discussed the advantages of this aircraft: “The Falcon 50 strikes a good balance between range, runway performance, and speed. This aircraft is able to complete intercontinental flights and still maintain a short takeoff distance. Its range/payload capacity is impressive; it can carry a medical crew and a patient 3,020 miles at a speed of almost 570 mph.”

Many patients travel considerable distances to receive highly specialized care or to return home after becoming ill or being injured while traveling. Patients in need of long distance transportation beyond Life Flight Network’s traditional service area of the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West now have another option. “Life Flight Network recognized a need for longer range critical care transport services. We are proud to offer our life-saving services to a considerably broader population,” explains Michael Griffiths, CEO for Life Flight Network.

Life Flight Network provides bedside-to-bedside service, providing peace of mind. Each flight is staffed with highly trained pilots and medical personnel. A critical care nurse and flight paramedic or flight respiratory therapist provide ICU level care during each flight. The jet is configured with some of the latest medical technology, providing an efficient means of traveling a considerable distance while receiving high quality medical care.

About Life Flight Network:
Life Flight Network, a not-for-profit air medical service, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) and the National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport Applications (NAAMTA). Life Flight Network has administrative offices in Aurora, Oregon and is owned by a consortium of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, and Providence Health System. Aviation services provided by: Life Flight Network and Jackson Jet Center, Inc.