posted February 17, 2026

New airframe expands access to critical care in Kern County

BAKERSFIELD, CA – Feb. 17, 2026 – Mercy Air 15, a critical care air medical base serving Kern County and surrounding communities, has enhanced its lifesaving operations with the delivery of a new Bell 407GXi helicopter equipped with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability. This upgrade significantly improves the team’s ability to respond during winter weather, particularly the region’s well-known Tule Fog conditions that often limit visibility and ground aircraft not certified for IFR operations.

Mercy Air 15 previously operated a Bell 407, a reliable and trusted aircraft. However, its inability to operate in IFR environments meant that dense fog and low ceilings, conditions common throughout Bakersfield’s winter months, could prevent the aircraft from launching. The newly delivered Bell 407GXi changes that.

“This aircraft upgrade is a major advancement for the community,” said Mercy Air Area Manager Jared Szaroleta. “Our ability to operate safely during low visibility conditions means we can respond to emergencies even when weather would have grounded us in the past.”

Along with IFR capabilities, the Bell 407GXi features advanced avionics and safety systems, including Garmin avionics, a fully integrated autopilot system, and real-time satellite weather. These enhancements enable pilots to fly more safely and efficiently.  

“The Bell 407GXi brings a great safety enhancement to operations in Kern County,” said Lead Pilot Michael Felix. “With the advanced avionics and autopilot, we will have the potential to navigate low visibility safely, better monitor weather and terrain in real time, and stay mission-ready. That translates to getting more patients to critical care when they need it most.”

The new aircraft is part of Air Methods’, Mercy Air’s parent company, ongoing investment in better care for California communities. As the nation’s leading air medical provider, the upgrade aligns with Air Methods’ broader initiative to modernize and expand its national fleet. By combining a proven airframe with the latest in aviation technology, Air Methods’ Mercy Air program continues to set the standard for air medical transport, ensuring that help is always within reach, no matter the location.

Equipped as a flying ICU, the aircraft carries the medical equipment and medications the Mercy Air team needs to provide lifesaving care for trauma, cardiac, stroke, pediatric, high-risk obstetric, and other critically ill patients. They also carry whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss.

Mercy Air remains focused on accessibility. The program is in-network with most major insurance providers, and its dedicated patient advocacy team works directly with patients and families to ensure that financial concerns never stand in the way of receiving care. Patients do not need a membership to be transported by any air medical company.

In the coming months, Mercy Air 15 will be hosting an open house event, showcasing the new GXi to the community and its partners. In the meantime, the dedicated critical-care crew stands ready to serve when called upon.