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Air Methods received its letter of acknowledgement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepting AMC’s Safety Management System (SMS). In the United States there are 1,977 Part 135 operators, and Air Methods is one of 21 to receive this recognition.
“At Air Methods, safety is our number one priority and the recognition by the FAA regarding our SMS program is a significant accomplishment. When you think about the complexity of our operations and what happens during a patient transport, the process of SMS is vital to bringing all those pieces together that make up a safe air medical transport mission,” said JaeLynn Williams, CEO of Air Methods. “This is not a requirement of a Part-135 operator but to be among the 1% of organizations to have achieved this level of SMS accreditation is outstanding. This is a testament to our level of commitment and innovation in the air medical safety environment.”
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(DENVER, Colorado July 8, 2021) – On Tuesday, July 6th, Air Methods (AMC), the leading air medical service in the country, received its letter of acknowledgement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepting AMC’s Safety Management System (SMS). In the United States there are 1,977 Part 135 operators, and Air Methods is one of 21 to receive this recognition.
In line with the prevention of incidents and injuries, each Air Methods teammate is accountable for the performance of our Safety Management System (SMS). SMS defines teammate responsibilities and standards to manage and control the risks inherent in our operations – be it in flight, the workplace, occupational health, or environmental protection.
“We are proud of all that we have accomplished in our safety measures. Today we have joined an elite group of part 135 operators to have progressed to this level of maturity,” said Joe Resnik, SVP of Safety with Air Methods. “Building a safety culture isn’t just building a department, it is the creation of a core attribute of every teammate that each of us embody safety. By maintaining the safety of each and every teammate, we not only increase and enhance our productivity, but we become the destination employer for the best in the industry.”
Air Methods is dedicated to continuous improvement of its safety programs and culture, believing that our SMS Program is essential to continuous improvement and unparalleled protections for our crews and patients. This recognition is an accumulation of many years of effort and cooperation by Air Methods teammates and FAA employees.
Click to read the FAA letter.
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About Air MethodsAir Methods is the leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 70,000 people every year. With nearly 40 years of air medical experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. United Rotorcraft is the Company’s products division specializing in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features more than 450 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Media Contacts:Doug FlandersVP Communications, Air Methods*protected email*
Adam BeesonAmendola Communications for Air Methods(847) 867-0048*protected email*
Thomas “TJ” Hall, Air Methods airbase lead mechanic for Atrium Health’s MedCenter Air in Charlotte, N.C., has dedicated much of his life to maintaining helicopters that save lives. Hall started his career in the Vietnam War, at the age of 20, and has never looked back. His hard work and dedication earned him a special honor recently when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) presented him with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.
The award presentation took place at Atrium Health’s MedCenter Air hangar at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. It is named for Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. Taylor served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.
Hall started his career as an enlisted helicopter mechanic and crew chief in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After 12 years and multiple overseas deployments with the Marines, he entered the civilian world of helicopter maintenance. He obtained his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license and went to work for Burnside-Ott as a contractor at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Santa Rosa County, Florida. From there, Hall was hired by ERA Helicopters and worked in Louisiana in the petroleum industry. He then transitioned to the air ambulance industry in 1992 when he joined Air Methods, and he has remained with the company since. March of 2019 marked his 50th year in helicopter maintenance.
During his career with Air Methods, Hall has worked as lead mechanic at three bases. He also served as program aviation manager for MedCenter Air in Charlotte, and as Air Methods southeastern regional area maintenance manager. After nearly ten years in the management world, Hall decided to return to his passion and took on the role of traveling relief mechanic. He then returned to Charlotte to assume his current position as lead mechanic for Atrium Health’s MedCenter Air.
“I am honored to receive this award from the FAA and appreciate the support of my family, friends and colleagues,” said Hall. “I have seen many changes during the past 50 years and have witnessed incredible advancements in the air medical industry. Maintenance safety practices have improved, and the technological evolution of the aircraft has been amazing. I’ve also enjoyed working with my fellow crewmembers and passing along what I have learned during my career. I look forward to continuing this work.”
Congrats, TJ!