The Aero Experience: Medical Helos Converge on St. Louis - 2011 Air Medical Transport Conference In a Whirl

2011 Air Medical Transport Conference - October 17-19, 2011, St. Louis, Missouri

By Mark Nankivil

This past Friday, October 14, a number of air medical helicopters flew to St. Louis-Downtown Airport in preparation for a short hop over to Cole Street on the North side of the America Center Complex in downtown St. Louis. On Sunday, Cole Street was closed so that the helicopters could be flown in and then prepared prior to bringing them into the convention center for the 2011 Air Medical Transport Conference. The conference is being put on by the Association of Air Medical Services, and is the largest event of its kind in the World.

Mercy Air Care Eurocopter EC135 P2+

Besides the helicopters on display, representing both the helicopter manufacturers and operators in the industry, exhibitors included fixed wing aircraft from the likes of Beechcraft, Cessna and others. Other exhibitors covered all aspects of the industry, from specialized on-board medical equipment, flight safety and medical training, to management, communications and the myriad products and services that support the industry as a whole. Throughout the conference, there are 150+ educational sessions covering all aspects of the industry and at the same time, valuable networking opportunities for those attending.

Donaldson Filtration Booth

It was great to come across a locally based firm exhibiting their product line and services at the conference. Donaldson Filtration Solutions is located out in the Spirit of St. Louis Airport area and markets air and fluid filtration systems that protect aircraft engines, crew compartments, avionics and hydraulic systems. Across from their display booth was a Bell 429 on display which uses their engine air filtration system, being installed on the airframe right on the production line. Paul M. Ross and Doug Gardner were the sales representatives on hand when I visited. Paul is an accomplished aviation photographer in his own right, while Doug flies a Great Lakes 2T-A1 N847K locally. Check out www.donaldson.aero for a look at their broad product and services line.