Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) has welcomed a relief helicopter to its operation as its iconic AW169 aircraft departs for a scheduled major service in Emden, Germany.
The charity’s flagship AW169 will undergo it’s four-year annual maintenance inspection at HeliService headquarters in Emden.
LNAA’s Chief Pilot, Llewis Ingamells said: “The service includes a complete strip-down of the aircraft to ensure every component is thoroughly inspected, operational, and safe. This work ensures that the aircraft continues to meet the highest standards of safety and performance.”
To maintain uninterrupted service during this period, LNAA will operate an AW109 Grand New relief helicopter. Slightly smaller, the AW109 is a capable and reliable aircraft. It will enable the charity to continue delivering critical care to patients across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The relief helicopter is similar in design and performance to the new model (AW109 Grand New) LNAA plans to introduce in 2027. This provides LNAA’s pilots with a valuable opportunity to gain additional flight hours in an equivalent aircraft, supporting future readiness and operational continuity.
Before the relief helicopter begins active duty, LNAA’s crew will conduct detailed loading exercises and weigh all onboard medical equipment to ensure the aircraft is fully prepared for frontline missions.
The AW169 is expected to return from Germany in the coming months, fully serviced and ready to resume its vital role in saving lives.
