Air Methods, FlightSafety Announce New Training Facility in Colorado, Installation of Level-D Qualified Full Motion Simulator

DENVER, March 15, 2017 -- Air Methods (NASDAQ:AIRM), the global leader in emergency air medical services, and FlightSafety International, the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays, today announced the new FlightSafety Learning Center in Denver.

In addition, Air Methods and FlightSafety recently welcomed the second of four FlightSafety-built Level-D qualified full motion simulators designated for the training facility located in Colorado. The installation of the new Airbus AS350 B3 Level-D simulator took place in February 2017, joining the Airbus EC135 simulator, which was previously used by Air Methods at FlightSafety’s Learning Center in Dallas.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the new AS350 Level-D simulator to the training curriculum,” said Mike Allen, president of Air Medical Services at Air Methods. “Our company’s number one priority is to provide 24/7 access to lifesaving care to patients in need, with a focus on quality of care and a commitment to safety in aviation. With the addition of these four best-in-class full-motion simulators, Air Methods is taking critical steps to ensure the safety of our passengers and hard-working team members in the air.” 

Air Methods partnered with FlightSafety to develop and manufacture the newer Level-D qualified simulators – the Airbus AS350 B3, Bell 407GX and Airbus EC130T2 – which will be the first of their kind in the United States. The final two simulators are scheduled to enter service later this year. Together, the four devices will represent training for 75-percent of Air Methods’ fleet.

"Air Methods is setting a new safety standard for their training by insisting on Level-D qualified simulator-based training for their pilots who fly single- and twin-engine helicopters," said Bruce Whitman, FlightSafety chairman, president & CEO. "FlightSafety is proud to be working with Air Methods to enhance safety through high quality, cost-effective training solutions and services."

Air Methods employs more than 1,300 pilots across the country and provides 1,600 recurrent check rides per year. The Colorado Learning Center, which also offers classrooms and a full complement of customer service areas, will offer four-day training for the vast majority of the Company’s aviators.

About Air Methods Corporation
Air Methods Corporation (www.airmethods.com) is the global leader in air medical transportation. The Air Medical Services Division is the largest provider of air medical transport services in the United States. The United Rotorcraft Division specializes in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. The Tourism Division is comprised of Sundance Helicopters, Inc. and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, which provide helicopter tours and charter flights in the Las Vegas/Grand Canyon region and Hawaii, respectively. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features approximately 500 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

About FlightSafety International
FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides more than a million hours of training each year to pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full flight simulators at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

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