Page 4 - Volume 12 Number 6

The King Air is Essential for Flying Doctor Service’s Critical Missions
T he New Zealand Flying Doctor Service (NZFDS) is the fixed wing division of GCH Aviation that provides inter-hospital transfers of patients nationwide for two districts located in New
Zealand’s South Island. The nation’s health care system is centralized due to the country’s size in comparison to its population. Similar to the role played by the Royal Flying Doctors, located in nearby Australia, the NZFDS aids in the transportation of critically ill patients from smaller outlying hospitals and medical centers to more established hospitals and medical specialists in New Zealand’s larger cities.
2 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
(PHOTO CREDIT: STU DRAKE)
In 2009, the Flying Doctor Service added their first King Air, a Super King Air 200C (ZK-FDR), based in Christchurch, as their service area grew and led to more challenging flight conditions. Three years later they purchased a King Air C90B, currently based in Nelson. As their operations continue to grow, they plan to increase their King Air fleet.
Saving Lives from the Start
NZFDS was established in 1995 and the first mission would drastically demonstrate its need. A tragedy, known as the Cave Creek Disaster, occurred in Paparoa National Park on the West Coast of South Island. A viewing platform high above Cave Creek collapsed and fell almost 100 feet (30 meters) killing 13 students and a Department of
JUNE 2018
New Zeala Super Hero
n