CALSTAR Leads the Way

California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) is operating the first helicopter that allows for enhanced abilities and increased safety using Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The modification, according to Joseph Cook, CALSTAR's president and CEO, will no doubt save countless lives. With CALSTAR having served as the pioneer for this new technology, it is anticipated that many rescue helicopters throughout the world will be modified in a similar manner. Flight crews are still training on the modified helicopter routes and approaches but they be should be in use in the very near future. The new system will allow pilots to make significantly more landings in inclement weather. As an example, when making an approach to the Ukiah (CA) Municipal Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that if pilots bring their aircraft down to an altitude of 1,107 feet above ground and still cannot see the landing site they must abort the landing. The new vertical guidance system will allow pilots to descend their aircraft to 364 feet to see the landing site. The system was developed by Hickok & Associates in Alabama--designer of the approaches and low altitude routes and Garmin International, designers of the aircraft avionics systems. In addition to the new flight system, Hickok & Associates was able to establish nearly 200 miles of off-airway/feeder routes to provide Minimum Instrument Altitudes (MIA) enroute to approaches.