Cal-Ore Life Flight recently received FAA approval to install global positioning satellite system navigation to its aircraft.

The state-of-the-art system will allow pilots to utilize satellite navigation in instrument conditions as well as to execute instrument approach procedures, allowing the aircraft to descend through clouds and fog, company officials said.

"This instrument GPS system will greatly assist our flight crew and enhance our safety when operating under the inclement weather conditions in which we fly here on the coast," said Bob Walker, Cal-Ore chief pilot.

"We also expect to save time on some of our flights as the GPS will allow us to fly direct to some destinations rather than follow designated non-direct routes," he said.

According to company president Dan Brattain, "Each of the systems, once fully operational, will cost approximately $12,000 per airplane."

"We hope to receive FAA approval in the future to execute instrument approaches to some of the more remote airports we serve," Brattain said.

Cal-Ore Life flight is an air and ground ambulance provider with three pressurized aircraft based in Crescent City. Cal-Ore primarily serves the coast, flying patients from Crescent City, Gold Beach, Eureka, Medford and Coos Bay to various higher-care medical facilities.

For information about Cal-Ore Life Flight's membership program, call: 541-469-7911.