Russia's Heli-Drive is investing in a Bell 429, which it will use for EMS missions. The operator chose the 429 due to its two patient capability with additional space for two medical attendants and two pilots. “The aircraft has a large cabin that allows us to customise it, and install the required medical equipment,” says captain Vadim Vagapov. “Wide doors give us good access to the cabin and make loading and unloading easier.”

The aircraft is certified for single pilot IFR operations and has a fully integrated glass cockpit and three-axis autopilot. Vagapov speaks highly of its performance: “It can take-off with no problems with maximum load and from confined areas such as highways, city streets, and other places that are normally very obstructed with power lines and lamp posts.

“It can easily hold 130 to 140 kts in cruise flight and has good range. Best of all is the level of control it provides; we can take off and land in high cross or tail winds.”

Heli-Drive flew 250 hrs on the Bell 429 last year and Vagapov reports that his pilots love to fly it. The company has an agreement with the Russian Department of Health in the St. Petersburg area for EMS operations. It often evacuates patients from remote local hospitals to more technologically advanced healthcare centres, and frequently transports patients following high speed car accidents. “Our helicopter has everything we need to provide first aid for critical patients and in the last two months we have evacuated over 70,” he continues.

The company has overseen the construction of six helipads around local hospitals with plans for 10 more, and is looking to continue to expand its range of operations in the St. Petersburg area.

“By increasing our range of operations, we will have to buy more Bell helicopters. We are considering putting Bell 429s solely on to highway evacuations and the Bell 407GX which is on order on remote hospital missions.

“Our operation has regular coverage on Russian tv, in newspapers and magazines.”

Despite a promising time for the operator, Vagapov does concede that the Russian weather can be punishing. “In a lot of cases there are very low clouds and we have to fly by IFR. This is where a Bell 429 is a great advantage compared with other helicopters that are not IFR certified.”

Founded in 2011, Heli-Drive has since established itself as a sales, service and training centre for vertical lift in Russia. It expanded its hangarage late last year to include a large showroom floor with ample helicopter space.

Future plans include developing its tour service over St. Petersburg, ad hoc charter, aerial photography, maintenance and adding a heated hangar.