THE Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Mount Isa base yesterday unveiled the latest addition to its aeromedical aviation fleet to help deliver medical services to those in need across the North West.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new Cooee, a 2014 model Beechcraft B200 King Air, worth about $8 million and armed with medical equipment, was lauded as the top of the range at the official launch.
Royal Flying Doctor Service chief executive (Queensland section) Nino Di Marco said the aircraft would fly the same distance as its last aircraft with more advanced technology to help the crew.
“Last year, our Mount Isa-based aeromedical crews airlifted close to 900 patients, flying around 77,000 kilometres in the process,” he said.
“Cooee can expect a similar workload, covering a vast geographical area from its operational hub.
“This advanced technology provides early warning of other air traffic and allows the aircraft to fly at altitudes up to 35,000 feet, using less fuel and travelling at greater speeds.”
The enhanced radar system allows it to avoid some turbulent weather.”
A statewide competition was held by Ergon Energy Retail to ‘‘Name the Plane’’, and Cooee was chosen because it is commonly known as a call for help in the bush.
State member for Mount Isa Rob Katter said the RFDS was vital. “It’s important to acknowledge the services we have in our community,” he said.
