FAI has obtained supplementary type certification (STC) for the EpiShuttle on the aircraft type CL-600 after undergoing comprehensive tests on flammability, rapid decompression, and patient evacuation. The test was passed without any complaints or remarks.
Since FAI has installed the EpiShuttle in the Bombardier Challenger 604 on a Spectrum Aeromed MedBase with a fixed adaption to a Spectrum Aeromed Cargo Stretcher, they no longer considered the EpiShuttle to be “loose equipment” compared to other mobile medical equipment.
Due to this FAI wanted to obtain an STC for the CL-600-2B16 aircraft that included the EpiShuttle.
“We are glad to see that FAI has obtained STC for the CL-600-2B16 aircraft, an excellent aircraft for the transfer of infected patients with the EpiShuttle. We appreciate all time and resources the brilliant team at FAI Air Ambulance has put into the certification process. This shows that the EpiShuttle meets the requirements for an STC” says Ellen Cathrine Andersen, CEO in EpiGuard.
Passed comprehensive testing
FAI in coordination with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and a development company defined the requirements for the STC and necessary test procedures was developed.
“The EpiShuttle went through comprehensive and challenging tests during the certification process. All the test procedures were carried out without any complaint and the STC was issued and granted by the EASA” says Nico Raab, Medical Operations Manager in FAI Air Ambulance (FAI rent-a-jet GmbH).
The EpiShuttle had to undergo three different tests during the process, flammability test, rapid decompression test and patient evacuation.
The flammability test examined how easily the built-in material ignited, how quickly they burn and how they react when burned. The tests showed that there was neither combustion or smelting or drop formation in the test bodies.
Second, they tested the behavior of the EpiShuttle in the event of a sudden drop in pressure, a so-called rapid decompression test. In the event of a sudden drop in pressure in the aircraft, it must be ensured that all components can withstand the forces acting in order to avoid contamination of the environment. The behavior of the EpiShuttle where tested and simulated in a pressure chamber in an approved test laboratory. The test showed no damage or functional restrictions on the components of the EpiShuttle nor the attachments.
The last test the device had to undergo was a patient evacuation. According to specifications, it had to be possible to evacuate a patient within 90 seconds in an emergency. During the test the patient was evacuated by FAI employees within 56 second.
After the employees and the device had completed all the test, EASA concluded that it met all the requirements and without any complaints.
“The certification make way for STC on the CL-600 on other continents as well it also shows that it is possible for other companies and aircrafts to obtain an STC” says Ellen Cathrine Andersen, CEO in EpiGuard.
FAI Air Ambulance invested a total of € 57,000 in the individual test procedures.
About FAI Technik
FAI Technik is a 100 % subsidiary of German GA-Operator FAI rent-a-jet GmbH. Operating as a full service FBO and MRO, FAI Technik at Nuremberg is licensed for base and line maintenance of the Learjet 60, Challenger 600-series and Bombardier Global Express 700-series, including modifications, aviation upgrades, interior refurbishment and component services such as batteries and wheels. FAI´s EASA part 145 licence is approved by the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, as well as the US FAA and Nigeria. FAI Technik Nuremberg is a distributor for Collins Aerospace, Gogo Business Aviation and GARMIN.
About FAI Aviation Group
FAI Aviation Group operates Germany´s largest fleet of Bombardier business jets. The fleet includes five Global Express, six Challenger 604s and seven Learjet 60s. FAI runs a 14,000 m² carbon-neutral fixed-base operation at its Nuremberg, Germany headquarters, employing a staff of close to 300 people, including 70 mechanics and engineers at its in-house MRO FAI Technik GmbH and another 30 staff at its Berlin base. FAI´s Group consolidated revenues in 2022 were close to € 130 m with a fleet utilization of more than 12,000 hours of flight time.
FAI was proud to receive the Diamond Safety of Flight Award from the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) in May 2018, marking the highest safety recognition awarded by EBAA to member companies operating business aircraft for 50 years or 100.000 hours without accident.
In 2019 FAI received a 10-year anniversary award from MEBAA, reflecting the fact that 20 % of its flying activity is now in the Middle East and was honored with an Aviation Annual Achievement Award, in recognition of its 30 years of air ambulance and special mission flying.
In 2020 and 2021 FAI received the prestigious Award “Air Ambulance Company of the Year” from ITIJ Magazine.
In 2021, FAI was awarded the Pandemic Response Special Award in recognition of its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2022, FAI was awarded “20 years of Aviation Excellence in the Middle East” by MEA Business at the Aviation Innovation Awards.
FAI is official supplier of the McLaren Formula 1 Team.
