Air Evac Expects Upgraded LongRangers

Air Evac Lifeteam expects to get the first Model 206 LongRangers converted to the L-4 configuration under an agreement with Bell Helicopter by the end of the year. The West Plains, Mo. emergency medical services operator signed an agreement in March with Bell to undertake the 206L Upgrade Program to improve the performance of its L-1s and L-3s, though they have been discussing such a program for years. Bell agreed to develop the upgrade and convert the first two articles at Air Evac's facility; the upgraded aircraft will be known as L-1+s and L-3+s. Air Evac plans to upgrade 24 of its more than 75 L-1s and L-3s through 2009. That won't meet Air Evac's needs, though, which is why the company in September ordered 16 new L-4s, its first new 206s ever. For related news