The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) has moved one step closer to full night flying capability with the arrival of its enhanced model H135T3 helicopter, specially equipped for nighttime flying.
The arrival of the aircraft is part of a three step process which will lead to the commencement of night flying in early 2016.
Within the next two weeks the HIOWAA crew, who have already completed NVIS (night vision imaging system) ground school training, will begin to undertake short night time flights on board the aircraft. Throughout December and January they will take part in night clinical training exercises with neighbouring Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA).
The new helicopter (pictured right) reverts back to the all-yellow design and carries the tailnumber G-HIOW.
When HIOWAA commences night HEMS operations next year, the Isle of Wight will benefit from being able to call upon the air ambulance at any time of the day or night, in daylight and darkness, 365 days of the year.
HIOWAA CEO Alex Lochrane commented:
“The arrival of our new aircraft signals the start of an intense training period for our crew. Aviation safety is paramount and, alongside our key partner Bond Air Services Ltd, we will only progress to night HEMS operations once we are confident that training is complete”.
HIOWAA receives no government, statutory or National Lottery funding for operational purposes, relying entirely on the generosity of the people and businesses of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives.
