Ever wondered how the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance keeps its helicopter ready to save lives every single day? One key factor is regular, scheduled maintenance. Our helicopter is highly advanced machine, and just like a car or plane, needs routine checks to ensure it is safe, reliable, and ready for critical missions. The majority of checks are carried out by our own engineer at Henstridge Airfield and can usually be programmed to be completed outside of our operational hours (7.00-.

However, every 400 flying hours or 12 months, whichever comes first, more in-depth ‘base’ maintenance is required; this is carried out at Gama Aviation’s maintenance facility at Gloucestershire Airport (also known as Staverton).  During base maintenance, aircrafts like our iconic yellow AW169 helicopter, Pegasus, are taken off operational duty.

While this might seem like a big change, it doesn’t affect our life-saving service. We temporarily operate other AW169 helicopters, such as the orange and white aircraft G-MGPS, nicknamed Nemo, which is fully equipped with the same cutting-edge medical technology and flown by our highly trained crew.

What happens during helicopter maintenance?

• Thorough inspections: Every part of the helicopter is checked for wear and tear.

• Engine and systems testing: Ensures all mechanical, electrical, and safety systems function perfectly.

• Flight tests: After the maintenance is complete, experienced pilots take the helicopter for test flights to confirm everything operates safely.

Why maintenance matters

Air ambulance missions are high-stakes and often take place in unpredictable conditions such as adverse weather and various destinations. A helicopter in top condition is essential for:

• Reaching patients quickly in remote or hard-to-access locations.

• Delivering hospital-level critical care safely.

• Protecting the lives of both patients and crew.

Maintaining our fleet is just one way the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance ensures it can continue its mission: saving lives when every second counts.

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FAQs

Why do air ambulance helicopters change colour?

During base maintenance our usual yellow helicopter is temporarily replaced with a stand in aircraft. These aircraft have different colour schemes to ours, like Nemo’s orange and white stripes, but the service and critical care team remain the same.

How often do air ambulance helicopters get serviced?

Our helicopter undergoes regular in-depth base maintenance, in addition to the more routine checks carried out at our airbase Henstridge Airfield, to ensure it is always safe and ready for emergency missions. Due to the topography of the South West, and flying many hours, our helicopter often has to go in for base maintenance more frequently than just once a year.

Does helicopter maintenance affect patient care?

In short, no. We operate temporary replacement helicopters, fully equipped with the same medical equipment, so there is no interruption to life-saving missions.