Air St. Luke's

Air St. Luke's is an helicopter air medical program (HEMS) with bases in Boise and Twin Falls, Idaho. Idaho Helicopters, Inc. is the Part 135 certificate holder and operator for Air St. Luke's utilizing two Bell 429 helicopters. The capabilities of the Bell 429 exceed the limits of the current rule; however operations are restricted to operations under the 7,000 lb weight limit. This has required additional fuel and passenger management techniques to service patients throughout remote areas of Idaho and eastern Oregon. Speed and time are often precious in delivering patients to the healthcare resources necessary for their care. Frequently flights to Salt Lake City require additional fueling stops, adding time and delaying time sensitive interventions. The technology of modern day aircraft, including aircraft design, safety, navigation, electrical, advance structural materials and other systems have advanced while the weight classification and standards for Normal and Transport Category aircraft have remained the same. Failure to address advancing technology inhibits the development of new aircraft and safety enhancements that could be obtained with more modern standards. Adapting standards to technology will allow aircraft manufacturers greater design latitude to incorporate advancing technologies. The end result is safer, more capable transport vehicles to serve patients' needs ensuring that they receive necessary care as quickly as possible. Please consider the needs of patients and rural area in redefining the rotorcraft airworthiness standards under Part 27 and Part 29.