The RFDS in SA/NT

Pilatus PC-12

The Pilatus PC-12 is a good all-rounder in terms of capacity, amenity, speed, range and performance, making it perfect for the Royal Flying Doctor operational activities. From outback strips to city airports, the Pilatus PC-12 has operated day and night for over twenty years to keep the RFDS in the air.

The cabin is set up with 2 stretcher beds and three seats, which can be used in a variety of configurations. The front door allows the pilot to conduct his pre-flight external inspections and enter the plane without disturbing the patients and medical crew in the rear.

The cockpit is configured for single-pilot operations in all weather conditions, day and night. Instrumentation is state of the art and the aircraft is powered by a single Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-67B Turbo-prop engine.

A Flight Nurse is usually on every flight and in cases where the patient is seriously ill, a Doctor is also present. Other passengers can include sitting patients, accompanying relatives or specialist medical staff.

Maximum Altitude: 30,000 feet

Maximum Speed: 518.56 km per hour

Range: 2,889 km

Cabin Dimensions: Width: 1.52m, Length: 4.68m, Height of 1.45m

Pilatus PC-24 

We currently operate 2 Pilatus PC-24 RFDS Medi-Jet 24s; the ultimate flying intensive care unit.

These aeromedical aircraft are the first of their kind in Australia and around the world. With capacity for three stretchered patients and two medical teams consisting of four doctors and nurses, the RFDS Medi-Jet 24 also has the capability of landing and taking off on unsealed runways as short as 800m, halve existing flight times and travel longer distances, boosting the overall fleet capacity for response times within all regions.

In Central Operations our first RFDS Medi-Jet 24 completed its first year of service in 2020, after flying over 230,000km, airlifting over 320 patients and saving over 360 flying hours through jet speed; speed that saved lives.   

Maximum Altitude: 45,000 feet

Maximum Speed: 787 km per hour

Range: 3,610 km

Cabin Dimensions: Width: 1.69m, Length: 7m, Height of 1.55m