Does an Air Ambulance Need RVSM?
If you are someone you know will be needing to use an air ambulance
service, there are numerous factors to consider before making the trip.
One factor to consider when flying in an air ambulance is the aircraft. If
the patient must travel by air over a distance of 500 miles, then it is
advisable to transport the patient in a jet. Before selecting any air
ambulance service that uses jets to transport their patients, check to see
if the aircrafts are equipped with RVSM.
What does RVSM mean? The
letters RVSM are an abbreviation for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum.
RVSM is a modification to the jet aircraft that has been required by the
FAA on all aircrafts that want to fly above 29,000 feet in the air.
Despite the FAA regulation since January of 2005, many pilots have chosen
not to make this modification to their jet aircraft. Without RVSM, pilots
are forced to fly their aircraft at lower altitudes.
For personal
flights, flying at lower altitudes is primarily a minor inconvenience, but
when traveling for medical necessity by air ambulance, the situation
changes. Patients flying on an air ambulance jet are in need of comfort,
safety, and speed. The lack of RVSM requiring flight at lower altitudes
compromises the patient's comfort and the speed of the flight.
When
a pilot is forced to fly at lower altitudes, the transit time is
lengthened. When time is of the essence, patients cannot afford to waste
time. Jets having RVSM are able to fly at higher altitudes and save
precious time. In some instances, this can make the difference between
life and death.
Another negative side to flying without RSVM
includes more fuel stops. With each landing and takeoff for fuel, more
time is spent circling the airport, taxiing, and fueling up the plane.
Waiting for more fuel can spend time that some patients don't have to
spare. Selecting an air ambulance service that flies with RVSM can save
time and offer patients and family peace of mind.
More turbulence
is frequently experienced at lower altitudes when compared to flying with
RVSM. Turbulence can compromise the safety of the patient. This can be
avoided using RVSM technology on the air ambulance flight permitting the
aircraft to fly above the turbulence. Choppy flights can also become
uncomfortable and unpleasant for patients. Selecting an air ambulance
service that has RVSM on their jets will ensure the highest possible
comfort for the patient.
Anyone traveling by air ambulance is
undoubtedly concerned with safety, speed, and comfort. RVSM may seem to be
a luxury for some pilots, but quality air ambulance services know the
value of RVSM for their clients. The RVSM technology modification to
aircraft allows the patient the utmost comfort possible during the
flight.
Flying at higher altitudes saves considerable time, by
avoiding refueling, extra touchdowns of the aircraft, and issues with
turbulence. Clearly, selecting an air ambulance jet with RVSM is important
when traveling by air ambulance for long distances. RVSM offers safety and
convenience for passengers creating peace of mind during a stressful time.
Get expert advice about air ambulance at http://www.articlefog.com/category-air-ambulance.htm.
Here you can find all information about what is air ambulance,
what is the cost of air ambulance transport,
will insurance cover air ambulance transport,
what to expect when flying in a jet air ambulance and many more.
Article Source: www.ArticleFog.com.
Related articles
|
|