#HELI2
FAQs
The #HELi2 Appeal campaign is here and we hope you find your questions answered here today.
Why do we need a second helicopter?
We want to provide the very best possible service to the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and are constantly looking at ways to advance our care. We want to guarantee that the best possible helicopter is available at all times, when weather allows. A second helicopter will provide resilience to our service, in providing aircraft availability for seven days a week, 365 days a year. When one AW169 is undergoing maintenance, the other will be available. Should one develop a fault, we can instantly change to the other aircraft, rather than going offline. This will help to bolster our clinical provision.
How many additional missions will we undertake?
We estimate that owning a second AW169 will enable us to attend hundreds of additional missions by air, helping to save many more lives across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Will we operate both helicopters simultaneously?
Owning two aircraft gives is the versatility to operate a two-helicopter service, should the need be there.
How much will the second helicopter cost?
The cost of a new AW169 is around £9.7million. We are fortunate enough to be in a strong position to purchase one, due to the generosity of our donors. We are appealing to the incredibly generous people of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and beyond, to help us raise the remaining £2.85million needed to purchase the new aircraft.
Will the two helicopters fly equal hours?
Yes, we will regularly swap between the two helicopters, to help limit wear and tear on each aircraft.
What are the capabilities of the AW169?
The AW169 is a state-of-the-art aircraft and among the best in the sector for the service we provide. It has a spacious cabin, providing the paramedics and doctors with 360-degree access to the patient. It carries more weight and more fuel, allowing for longer journeys or back-to-back missions. It is able to fly in the hours of darkness and has some of the most advanced navigation capabilities in the industry, and it has a sophisticated avionics suite, making it very safe and very capable. The new helicopter will also have an in-built weather radar, enhanced lighting on the tail and a camera on the underbelly of the aircraft. These upgrades will then be made retrospectively to our first AW169 aircraft, G-CRWL.
What does the Heli 2 Appeal mean for the size of the charity and staff?
We are always looking to provide the very best service for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and to further grow and develop the charity where possible. We are currently considering recruiting several further permanent roles to help us deliver on our mission saving more lives across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
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Saving Lives
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