The maintenance of an air ambulance company is expensive for a variety of reasons. First, the cost of owning and operating an aircraft is high. Planes need to be maintained and repaired on a regular basis, needless to say, there is a huge cost associated with this. Additionally, it can be difficult to obtain insurance for air ambulances. This means that companies must pay for their own insurance policies, which can be expensive as well.
Air Ambulance Services are Bound by Regulations
Air ambulances also require specialized equipment, like oxygen tanks and stretchers specifically designed for use in the air. These items cost more than standard medical equipment.
The cost of maintaining an air ambulance company in the United States is high because of the regulatory requirements that must be met. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all commercial aircraft to have a certificate of airworthiness, which is renewed periodically. This means that the air ambulance company must pay for regular inspections and maintenance of their fleet, as well as any repairs that are needed.
In addition to this, an air ambulance company must also maintain compliance with all local and state regulations. For example, they must have an FAA-approved pilot on staff at all times and must meet certain standards when it comes to safety equipment such as night vision and navigational equipment. These costs can add up quickly.
Maintaining a Fleet and Qualified Staff
The main reason is the cost of maintaining a fleet of helicopters. Air ambulances are required to have multiple helicopters in order to provide service around the clock, and these helicopters operate under extreme conditions. They must be able to fly at high speeds in order to get patients to their destinations quickly, but this means that they will also need frequent maintenance and repair.
In addition, air ambulance companies must have a staff of technicians who can perform these repairs when needed. They must also have enough maintenance equipment to perform repairs on the spot if necessary. This equipment includes tools for repairing engines and rotor blades and special tools for handling fuel tanks.
