Summit's aviation team has purposely equipped mission-specific aircraft with increased capabilities to facilitate long transports while negotiating the mountainous terrain and diminished night illumination. With a commitment to 24-hour availability, Summit operates multiple aircraft to ensure our expert crews are ready to handle simultaneous calls for service.
Our newest aircraft, a Pilatus airplane and an Agusta 109 Power helicopter, represent the latest in aviation technologies and are equipped as follows:
Pilatus
- Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability (for low vision situations)
- Infra-red situational awareness tools
- Air-to-ground communications
- Two patient capability
- Satellite Flight Tracking
Agusta
- Satellite flight tracking
- Air-to-ground communications
- Two patient capability
- Night Vision Goggle technology
The Pilatus PC-12 is the primary aircraft for inter-facility transports offering patients, family members and crew a comfortable, secure ride with short flight times to specialty trauma centers and regional specialty facilities.
The Pilatus has an interior with enough space to accommodate two patients in addition to a family member. The PC-12 flies at altitudes up to 28,000 feet, allowing it to cruise safely over the high mountain ranges and inclement weather conditions. The ability to transport regionally in this aircraft without refueling reduces critical transport time when longer flights are necessary to obtain specialty medical care in Salt Lake City, Reno, Boise or Las Vegas.
The Agusta 109 Power helicopter has sufficient speed and landing flexibility to serve as the primary aircraft for emergency scene transports. The large interior cabin is very comfortable for both patients and crew, and the aircraft carries enough fuel to safely and rapidly complete the long transports. These same features allow it to serve effectively for inter-facility transports as needed.
All Summit aircraft are well-equipped to meet the uncompromising demands of the region's terrain, weather and way of life.
