The aircraft we use at Tulsa Life Flight are the MBB BK-117

They are the workhorse of aeromedical EMS and have provided Tulsa Life Flight with safe
dependable service since we switched to BK-117 helicopters in 1986

Both aircraft are pictured below

The BK-117 is a twin turbine engine, 4 blade rigid rotor, mid-sized helicopter capable of carrying 3 crewmembers and up to 2 critically injured patients. Our aircraft are air-conditioned to help provide a safe comfortable environment for our patients and crews.

The BK-117 loads from the rear of the aircraft and utilizes it's own Ferno 28 patient stretcher, making it very versatile for both hospital transfers and scene flight responses.

The helicopters can reach an altitude of 14,000 feet and cruise at a speed of greater than 120 knots. However, we usually fly at the lowest safe altitude so as not to cause discomfort for the patients and crew. Normally we fly at an altitude of around 2,500 feet.

The maximum fuel range of the BK-117 is around 150 nautical miles. With that much range, we cover all of eastern Oklahoma, southeast Kansas, northwest Arkansas, and sometimes into southwest Missouri.

Example of BK-117 rear loading patient compartment

Loading a neonatal sled in the BK-117

Life Flight 1

Life Flight 2

Aviation Services provided by Air Methods Corp., QMLA253U