Global Positioning System, IFR and NVG Capabilities

An essential element of REACH's capability from the date of its inception as a helicopter air ambulance in 1987 has been its capacity to respond to requests for transport, in most instances, despite inclement weather. The reason REACH has been able to respond in this refined manner is our instrument flight rules (IFR) capability, allowing us to safely and legally respond in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).  For many years REACH was the only rotor-wing air ambulance in Northern California Area able to respond in IMC. Now, some others have followed our lead.

As a further extension of REACH's instrument flight capability, we have developed Global Positioning System (GPS) routing and approaches to some hospitals in Northern California. The use of GPS routing and approaches allows us to respond under some adverse weather conditions which would have otherwise prevented us from response even with our instrument flight capabilities.

To put this advance in perspective, REACH is the first and only air ambulance company in the United States to receive approval by the FAA to respond off airway, using its own GPS routes to specific hospitals.  And, REACH is the first air ambulance company west of the Mississippi River to have its own approaches/departures to/from specific hospitals.

We are extraordinarily proud of these advances which are representative of REACH's innovative mindset.

The entire REACH fleet is equipped with Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capabilities. Night vision goggles take any available ambient light, i.e. moon, stars, etc., and multiply it thousands of times. They are capable of turning darkness into near daylight conditions.   Pilots and medical crew members are trained in the use of NVG ensuring the highest level of safety.