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Fox Flight Air Ambulance, a Canadian company specializing in international medical repatriation, recently welcomed a third Lear 40XR to its fleet of specially configured air ambulances. This aircraft features state-of-the-art avionics and has been custom fitted for dedicated aeromedical operation. It joins two other Lear 40XRs that were added to the fleet in April of 2019. Company president David Fox says the addition of the third Lear 40XR completes the company’s planned overhaul of its equipment.
“Just over a year ago we made a decision to update our aircraft and move on from our old Lear 35s and Lear 36,” Fox explained. “After researching our options, we determined that the best aircraft for us was the Lear 40XR. The longer fuselage has room for a washroom and extra baggage, which means more comfort and convenience for the patient, their companions and our crew. Plus the taller and wider cabin makes it easier for the medical crew to load and unload the patient and provide in-flight care.”
In addition to improved cabin amenities, flight crews on Fox Flight’s new Lear 40XRs have benefitted from a roomier cockpit, the up-to-date cockpit display and the latest aviation technology. “Our pilots are really enjoying flying the Lear 40XR for a lot of reasons; it’s a big step up from our old fleet and takes our standard of service to the next level,” said Katrina Rankine, Fox Flight’s director of operations and chief pilot.
In addition to improving the repatriation experience for patients, companions and crews, Fox said the impetus to move to the Lear 40XR was also driven by the ongoing maintenance demands of older aircraft.
“Newer planes are just more reliable, and they are easier to fix if you do have a problem because there are abundant replacement parts available; that means it’s easier for us to keep our planes in the air and available for our clients,” said Fox.
The latest Fox Flight air ambulance will operate under the tail designation C-FEMT, which stands for “emergency medical transfer.” It joins C-FEMF (emergency medical flight) and C-FEMC (emergency medical care) to round out the fleet.
