Cal-Ore Life Flight, with air ambulance operations based in Crescent City, California, has recently purchased a new jet-engine powered twin engine propeller airplane for use in air ambulance transports. 

The aircraft, a Piper Cheyenne II, is capable of speed in excess of 300 mph and altitudes of 29,000 feet. This will be the fourth aircraft operated by Cal-Ore who serves residents flying to/from Humboldt, Del Norte and Curry Counties.

The 1,280 horsepower aircraft is equipped with the latest in avionics including Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation with instrument approach certification and "real time" moving map displays. The aircraft is also equipped with dual weather avoidance systems including color radar and stormscope.

According to company president, Dan Brattain, "this is the first air ambulance with this type of capability and performance to be based on the coast, and one that is dedicated to serving our local patients." Brattain went on to say that his company had been studying the acquisition of this type of aircraft for over a year. He, his pilots and medical teams, determined that the increased performance; shorter patient transport times; aircraft reliability; and, ability to more easily transverse the tough coastal weather conditions, convinced Cal-Ore to make the purchase.

Cal-Ore's Chief Pilot, Robert Walker, a 35-year aviator said, "this is a real step up for our company and the coastal community. This plane can transport a patient from Eureka to San Francisco in an hour; Crescent City or Gold Beach to Medford in under 20 minutes; or if needed, fly over 1,200 miles non-stop, above the weather, to many destinations."

Cal-Ore expects to have the aircraft in service before the end of the month. For more information, please contact Brattain at 707-465-3804 or 541-469-7911.