The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems will conduct an accreditation site visit of University of Iowa Health Care AirCare on February 6-7, 2026. More information is available at this link.
The Landing Zone is the area used by the helicopter to land and initiate patient care. It is essential that an appropriate landing zone is selected and demarcated for the safe landing of AirCare.
Select an area 100 feet by 100 feet for proper helicopter mobility (parking lot, highway, or field)
Approach path, touchdown area, and departure path should be oriented into the wind
Avoid overflying the patient, accident debris, or hazardous materials
Clear all obstacles in the 100 feet by 100 feet area at minimum
There should be no overhead obstacles such as wires, trees, utility poles, towers, or ground obstacles such as barricades, stumps, brush, dirt, dust, blowing snow, equipment, supplies or EMS personnel
Select a level and firm area
The area should be minimum 100 feet from the patient, 200 feet from spectators, and down wind from the scene if possible
Mark the Landing Zone
To help the pilot locate the landing zone, turn on emergency vehicle beacons and light bars (avoid parking under trees or between buildings)
To designate the landing zone during the day, use hand signals or verbal descriptions.
To designate the landing zone at night, place lights in the corners of the landing zone and/or point headlights into the wind and onto the landing zone.
Never shine lights up toward the aircraft
Helicopter Safety
Safety is essential around the helicopter, the heliport, and the landing zone. The following are principles that must be used when interacting with the AirCare helicopter:
Restrict access to the landing zone and aircraft
Keep away from the tail of the aircraft
Secure all loose items such as hats, sheets, mattresses, supplies (don't chase items that have blown away)
Protect eyes from blowing debris (if vision becomes impaired, crouch down instead of moving).
Hearing protection is recommended
Approach aircraft from pilot line of sight and only after being signaled to approach the aircraft
No running
No smoking within 50 feet of the aircraft.
Never shine light towards the aircraft (risk of blinding the pilot)
Obey commands from the pilot or flight crew
Communication Tips
Assign one person to communicate with the helicopter.
Things to communicate to the pilot include:
Identify yourself
Give the landing zone location
Describe landing zone and touchdown area including the size, condition and type of surface
Weather conditions
Direction wind is from and approximate speed
Obstructions in the landing zone or approach and departure paths including wires, trees, stumps, brush, towers, poles, vehicle antennas, buildings, rocks, debris, and blowing snow
Direction of slope (if any)
Lighting of landing zone (at night)
Hazardous materials if present
Emergency vehicles or equipment at scene
Flight Restrictions
Safety is paramount within AirCare’s operations. Weather conditions or other constraints may limit AirCare’s ability to fly. It is unsafe to fly in icy conditions and low visibility situations such as fog. At these times, we will do our best to help you with your transport needs by assisting you in making alternate arrangements.
AirCare’s Aircraft and Ambulances
Bell 429
Cruise speed of 150 knots (165 mph) via twin Pratt and Whitney engines with a total of 1,100 shaft horsepower allowing for faster response times and shorter out of hospital times to and from the patient.
130 feet cubed passenger cabin allows full-body access to the patient.
Increased loading areas through the side and rear clamshell doors.
Self-contained cot allowing for easier ground operations.
EC130T2
The EC130T2 uses a Safran Arriel 2D engine making 950 shaft horsepower
Cruise speed approximately 130 knots or about 150 mph.
65 feet cubed passenger cabin
Wide sliding doors allowing easy patient loading and crew access.
*Both aircraft types are equipped with Traffic Advisory Systems (TAS) and Helicopter Terrain Awareness Systems (HTAWS) for increased safety of operations.
Ford F550 Diesel and Ford F450 Gas
Modified with Medical Air and Oxygen for transport of critically ill neonatal and pediatric patients
Harness seat belts for patient compartment for increased provider safety
Verizon Reveal System to monitor real time tracking and incidents
