Prague-based Aeropartner has converted one of its existing Citation Mustangs for medevac missions. The operator, founded in 2001, has a fleet of 11 aircraft, most of which are Cessnas. It commenced medical flights last November and was heralded in recent weeks for operating the 10,000th flight handled by ABS Jets' Prague FBO. Its other activities include flight training, sightseeing flights and air photography, and the company is a strong supporter of the heritage of Czechoslovak aviators; its crew occasionally wear original WWII Royal Air Force battledresses.

Ceo Richard Santus details the most recent development: “Having started with Mustangs a few years ago for charter, we later realised that there was a demand for air ambulance in our region and searched for a possible modification of our existing Citations. Spectrum Aeromed already had FAA certified medevac Mustangs flying in the US, and we wanted to do the same.

“They had to redesign the built-in oxygen reservoir with external filling as EASA would not approve this, considering it as too great an intervention for the airframe. In the end Spectrum Aeromed was the first to have the EASA approval with a separate oxygen bottle installed in the stretcher pedestal, and we became the first European customers.”

Santus feels that, compared to any other modern jet, the Mustang is the least expensive way to transport a patient short distances. “The foldable mobile loading ramp of a Mustang enables smooth horizontal boarding of the patient fixed on the stretcher, quick and safe fitting on the pedestal installed and hence connection to the medical appliances required,” he adds.

He expects other operators to take up the mantle of the medevac Mustang, but says that the modifications are still in their infancy: “The Mustang is a quite new aircraft and there is a lack of operational experience. Many operators don't believe it will work at all. They may also think it is too small inside for the patient and the medics, especially when a complication occurs during flight.”

He admits that the range is limited, especially when carrying two paramedics, but most European requests can still be accommodated. He is a strong advocate of the very light jet sector, and says that VLJs can carry out the same job as a midsize aircraft for a fraction of the cost: “Where economy, speed and safety are the criteria, the Mustang is a good choice in our location.”