Graphic: Beechcraft King Air 360
Being a Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) pilot may be one of the most unique jobs in Queensland. But being an RFDS pilot is set to rise to a new level with a brand-new aeromedical aircraft joining the Queensland fleet.
The Beechcraft King Air 360 set to revolutionise aeromedical care in Queensland.
The aircraft will reduce pilot workload and make flying in outback Queensland a whole lot easier.
Glyn Butchard, Executive General Manager Aviation & Logistics says the RFDS needs to be continuously look at capability and replacement of aircraft to ensure the organisation stays up to date with everchanging technology.
“The B360 is a more capable aircraft. It gives us the ability to have better performance on more airstrips which means we can operate the aircraft into a greater number of strips across Queensland,” Butchard said.
“Upgraded avionics gives the pilot better situational awareness, better flight displays, better view of terrain and better weather predictions.”
“The B360 has an autothrottle system which is safer and provides more speed and stability on the aircraft and an antiskid braking system will provides better performance on runways.”
Not one, not two but six new King Air B360 aircraft will arrive in Australia over the next two years.
It’s part of future proofing the RFDS (Queensland Section) as it heads towards it’s 100 years of service.
“It’s a very exciting time for the RFDS. The B360 will give us the new capability to enable us to provide the best possible care to the people of Queensland,” he said.
“A five-bladed propeller, and more powerful engines enables the B360 to have greater performance near the ground which will enable the RFDS to operate in a shorter strip than some of our current aircraft.”
“We can service more airstrips, which means we can better service the regional, rural and remote people of Queensland.”
Innovation will be at the forefront of the back-of-cabin fit out.
The cabin will be completely redesigned and modified.
“It has a very modern, technologically advanced back of cabin. Better lighting, better loading system. It’s better all round,” Mr Butchard said.
“The aircraft fit out has been designed with the working environment in mind. It’s about the individuals who operate in the back-of-cabin, like our nurses and doctors and making sure they can provide the best possible care.”
“We’ve invested a lot of money in this aircraft and in the back-of-cabin fit out so that we are able to provide the best possible care to the furthest corner of Queensland.”
The RFDS is investing a near $100 million in the future health of Queenslanders by providing the best aeromedical healthcare available.
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