Re: ATTN:Kenneth Conn

["Kenneth Conn" <medic77@peoplepc.com>]

    Mac, I thank you for the information and opinions on this topic. I have
seen all of this information before, though. I am very sorry about the death
of your friend and I know there is probably no chance of changing your mind
about this service. I offer this. I know that I am new to this service but
does that mean I don't know the difference between what is safe and unsafe?
There are numerous incident reports out there on many other flight services.
Is this to say that every service that has had an incident is unsafe? It
simply comes with the job. We have 21 aircraft, 17 which can be in the air
at any one time. With such a large company and as many patient flights that
we do, unfortunately there will be incidents. On another note, just because
we offer memberships does not mean we are any less safe. The membership by
no means overrides the safety of the crew. We have weather minimums and
safety standards just like everyone else. The pilot and each crew member
have equal say about the call. We go by the 51% rule, meaning that if ONE
crew member feels unsafe or uncomfortable at any point of the call, even
before T/O, the mission will not be flown and there will be NOTHING said
from the crew or company. This is stated repeatedly throughout orientation
and is made clear from the very beginning.
    Another point that is made very clear with Air Evac is that you will
never hear an Air Evac employee bash another flight service. Your derogatory
comments about my company only solidify my judgement in starting employment
with Air Evac.
    As far as the comment about unsafe equipment, here's this. We fly the
Bell 206L. This is a proven helicopter and has logged over 32 million flight
hours. It is the safest single engine aircraft flying, including fixed-wing
planes. Our maintenance facility in West Plains is a Bell Customer Service
Center and an FAA approved repair station. Our aircraft maintain strict
maintenance schedules, just as I would hope all other services do.
    In conclusion, and I mean CONCLUSION, I just want to say thanks for all
the input from the group. This seems to be a very intellectual group that is
dedicated to providing the very best patient care. I'm sorry again for the
long post, I just feel that the best weapon against ignorance is
information. Stay safe. Thanks.

Eli Conn  B.S., CCEMT-P
Air Evac Lifeteam






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