2ndHeli FAQs As Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) expands our capacity to reach more patients, many supporters have asked about our plans for a second helicopter. Here’s everything you need to know about why we need it, how it will help, and how you can get involved. 1. Why does Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance need a second helicopter? We’re tasked to nearly 3,000 missions a year. Our existing helicopter, Peggy,’ is one of the hardest working air ambulances in the UK. When she’s offline for daily or scheduled maintenance, or during essential pilot training, we can’t always reach people who urgently need our help in time. A second helicopter will allow these essential requirements to be carried out on one of the helicopters, whilst the other remains operational. It will strengthen our resilience, enable us to respond to more patients and lay the foundation for extending our hours in the future. 2. How will both helicopters be used? Normally only one helicopter will be operational at a time. However, there may be occasions where one helicopter is being used for training whilst the other is on a mission. There is also a possibility that two could be used during shift change over, where the on-shift team are still out and the oncoming team are required for another mission. 3. What will the new helicopter be like? It will be another Leonardo AgustaWestland AW169, the same model as Peggy. However, the new aircraft will have increased performance over earlier models. Both helicopters will carry matching medical equipment, have the same colour scheme, and use the Helimed10 call sign (we are looking at a new call sign to enable them to operate together). 4. How is the second helicopter being funded and what will it cost? The helicopter will cost around £10 million. Thanks to careful financial planning and supporter generosity, we have already secured most of the funds. Our 2ndHeli Appeal is raising the final £1 million needed. DSAA receives no direct Government or NHS funding, so every mission we fly is made possible by donations and fundraising. 5. Will you need more pilots or medical crew? Not at present. Our existing highly trained pilots, doctors, and critical care practitioners will operate both helicopters as required. 6. Who will own and name the new helicopter? The new helicopter will be owned outright by the charity. Once it arrives, we’ll invite the public to help choose its name, just as they did for Peggy. 7. How can I support the 2ndHeli Appeal? You can: Donate online: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/2ndHeli or call 01823 669604 Add Gift Aid: Tick the Gift Aid box to boost your donation by 25% at no extra cost Fundraise by organising or joining an event: see our fundraising guidance for ideas and materials Every donation — large or small — helps us keep flying and saving lives across Dorset and Somerset. Manage Cookie Preferences