Life Flight Network has called on QAI Aviation, an FAA-certified repair station and completions centre located at Allegheny County airport in Pennsylvania, and Spectrum Aeromed, a developer of custom air medical equipment, to create a custom medical interior for Life Flight Network's EC135 helicopter. The project combines Spectrum Aeromed's expertise in designing advanced medical interior solutions with QAI Aviation managing the installation, paint and avionics integration, resulting in a turnkey aircraft ready for critical care missions.

QAI's EC135 SPIFR (Single Pilot Instrument Flight Rules) STC enables single-pilot operations, drastically reducing operational costs while maximising efficiency. With only one pilot required, the aircraft benefits from significant weight savings and increased room for patients and medical equipment, ensuring optimal utilisation of resources. Life Flight Network's EC135 is also equipped with the latest Garmin technology, including the GRA 55 radar altimeter and 5G filter, ensuring compliance with the latest regulatory requirements. The integration of the GI 275 standby instrument further enhances operational efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple standby pieces of equipment.

Spectrum Aeromed's contributions to the interior include a rear-loading patient gurney, three attendant seats and a 10-litre LOX oxygen system, the first of its kind certified for in-cabin use at this capacity. The solution also features ceiling valance provisions for radios and controls and multiple mounting options for medical devices, allowing Life Flight Network to tailor the configuration to its specific needs. The project is currently undergoing FAA STC certification, led by Spectrum Aeromed, with completion anticipated in 2025.

“This project reflects the collaborative strengths of QAI and Spectrum Aeromed, giving us the opportunity to design an interior that fits perfectly with our operational needs,” says Casey Seckel, chief clinical officer of Life Flight Network. “The increased oxygen supply extends our mission range, and the seamless process between these two companies ensures we receive the highest-quality solution without complexity. Working with trusted partners who understand our operational needs us gives us complete confidence in the result.”

QAI Aviation's expertise in completion services, including avionics and custom paint work, complements Spectrum Aeromed's high-quality air medical interiors. This collaboration ensures that Life Flight Network will receive a fully integrated aircraft with a complete medical configuration, ready to serve patients across the region.

“Collaborating with Spectrum Aeromed is a perfect example of how our teams can work together to deliver a complete solution,” comments QAI's general manager, Jeff Holt. “Our focus is ensuring every aspect of the installation and completion is seamless, while Spectrum Aeromed's advanced medical interiors provide the specialised functionality needed to achieve the best possible outcome for Life Flight Network.”

The EC135 project is part of a broader initiative by Spectrum Aeromed to provide fleet compatibility and platform flexibility for customers, offering one source for parts, service and training across multiple aircraft types.

“Partnering with QAI Aviation on this project allows us to provide a turnkey solution tailored to Life Flight Network's specific needs,” notes Matthew Christenson, vice president account executive at Spectrum Aeromed. “This EC135 interior improves operational efficiency and offers greater flexibility. The configuration also supports fleet consistency, streamlining operations and ensuring it's prepared for every mission.”