Four certificate holders owned and operated by parent company Intermountain Health, a Utah-based nonprofit healthcare system, are to participate in the Air Charter Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).

The Intermountain Health rotor wing companies include Classic Helicopter Group in Woods Cross; Classic Aviation Services dba Classic Air Medical, based in North Salt Lake; Classic Service Center dba Helicopter Services of Utah in Woods Cross; and IHC Health Services dba Intermountain Life Flight, based in Salt Lake City.

Kent Johnson, director of operations for Intermountain Life Flight, says: "Safety is the foundation of everything we do and we are thrilled to be part of this FAA safety programme that aligns so seamlessly with our core values. It really speaks to our dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards for our patients, flight crews and the communities we serve.”.

The ASAP is a voluntary, self-reporting programme that enables participating companies to identify and reduce possible flight safety concerns, as well as to mitigate risk. In cooperation with the FAA, the ACSF serves as a third-party manager of the ASAP for its members, who represent more than 67 per cent of all participating organisations in the ASAP programme.

Intermountain Health's ASAP participation is a direct benefit of its membership of Helicopter Association International.

“As we enter this new chapter of collaboration with the Air Charter Safety Foundation and the FAA, we're poised to learn from the invaluable insights and shared experiences of other industry leaders,” says Kory Hale, director of operations for Classic Air Medical. “Our participation in the ASAP programme not only reinforces our commitment to operational transparency, but also underlines our continual drive to set new benchmarks in air medical transportation safety.”

ACSF president and CEO Bryan Burns adds: “There's no doubt that these four organisations remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, and their decision to join the Aviation Safety Action Program signifies an unwavering dedication to fostering a safer and more secure air charter service for their clients, patients and partners.”