New hangar for life-saving helicopter

SCAA's helicopter Helimed 76 has a new billet at Perth Airport.

A recently erected hangar has been leased by the charity to accommodate both its helicopter and land-based Rapid Response Vehicle.

The 25m x 19m hangar - erected next to SCAA's headquarters and operational base at the Control Tower - will also house modular storage and administration space as well as providing training space for crew.

SCAA Chief Executive David Craig said the charity was delighted to be locating its aircraft and Rapid Response Vehicle in the new hangar.

"The hangar will also house a training room for the paramedic crew and, in addition to the increased space which provides for more on-site maintenance, the building is located closer to the helipad which helps greatly during the harsh winter months."

SCAA has operated from Perth Airport since the charity was launched on operations in 2013. Since then it has responded to over 2,000 time-critical emergencies from the base.

"Perth Airport has been the ideal location for the emergency response helicopter air ambulance, allowing us to reach vast tracts of the country in the shortest possible time," said David.

"From Perth we can reach the majority of Scotland and its islands in under an hour and 90 per cent of the population in under 30 minutes."