Pilots and Mechanics 

Life Flight at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is supported by OSF Aviation, LLC, and the provider of air medical support services to hospitals in the OSF Healthcare System.  OSF Aviation is staffed with nine full time pilots and four mechanics at Peoria, and four full time pilots and two mechanics at Rockford Saint Anthony Medical Center.  All pilots and mechanics are OSF Aviation employees.  The program currently operates four Bell 230 IFR and night vision goggle (NVG) capable aircraft.  Typical crew configuration for all transport missions is one pilot and two to three medical crew members.

 Pilots are required to possess a minimum of 2,000 hours of helicopter pilot in command time, an FAA Commercial helicopter certificate and current instrument rating.  The mechanics receive mandatory annual maintenance training to maintain currency with aircraft and maintenance procedures. Aircraft are hangared on-site with capability to perform minor and major maintenance requirements.