Air & Space Museum

Aerospatiale AS316 Alouette III

Aerospatiale AS316 <span data-lazy-src=

Today hospital-based helicopter ambulance services all over the world save hundreds of lives every day, but in 1972, there was just one, and it was in Denver, Colorado.

At that time, emergency medical services were brand new. Using lessons learned during combat in Korea and Vietnam, hospitals were improving emergency room procedures and ambulance companies were hiring the first paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

Staff at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver had been working on using helicopters to transport severely-injured patients, but creating this complex emergency response system involved bringing together first responders, trauma surgeons, nurses, hospital staff, and government officials. Communication links had to be established, procedures created, and new technology developed. The hospital built a helipad on the roof, but the missing piece was a helicopter that could function well on hot days in Denver’s thin atmosphere.

The French Alouette III was perfect for the job. It was large enough for the pilot, two flight nurses, and two patients. Its powerful turbine engine gave it exceptional performance at high altitudes. Flight for Life used Alouette III helicopters from 1972 to 1992, replacing them with Aerospatiale AS350 aircraft that are still in use today.

Aircraft specifications:
Length: 32 ft 11 in (10.03 m)
Rotor diameter: 36 ft 2 in (11.02 m)
Maximum speed: 130 mph (210 km/h)
Maximum weight: 4,850 lbs (2,200 kg)
Engine: Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turboshaft, 570 hp (425 kW)
Ceiling: 10,500 ft (3,200 m)
Carries pilot, flight nurses, and one or two patients

Air & Space Museum Air & Space Museum

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Upcoming Events

Saturday Apr 8
9:30AM TO 1:00PM
Exploration of Flight

Private Pilot Ground School Begins

Saturday, Apr 8 | 9:30AM to 1:00PM

Saturdays 4/8/23 – 5/27/23
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

This 8-week Ground School will cover the subject areas of the FAA Private Pilot Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. 

This course is taught by Certified Instructors, and materials are included! Classroom ground instruction offers a great way to start training as efficiently and economically as possible, providing a significant cost savings versus one-on-one lessons.

 

Topics include:

  • Aircraft Systems
  • Aerodynamics
  • Airports and Airspace
  • Flight Physiology
  • Performance Calculations
  • Navigation
  • And More!

Pricing:

Non-Member | $350.00 per registrant

Member | $300.00 per registrant

 

Next Class: On Saturdays from April 8th to May 27th, 9:30am – 1:00pm

This class is currently being reserved for Flight Training Scholarship applicants. Remaining seats will be sold at a later date. To join the waitlist, please click here.

 

Please Note:

Students should bring a notebook and/or a personal device for notetaking.

Participants must be 14 years or older.

Saturday Apr 8
9:30AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight

Breakfast Fly-In

Breakfast Fly-In
Saturday, Apr 8 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM

Join Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight for monthly fly-ins featuring planes, pilots and breakfast!

Spend Saturday* morning watching aircraft fly in, enjoy breakfast from a local food truck and explore interactive exhibits and simulators.

Purchase Tickets

*Please note that this event is taking place on the 2nd Saturday of the month instead of the 1st Saturday.

Food Truck: Bruncholero
Please note: Food purchases are not included in admission.

Pilots – Fly in for free breakfast! For tie-down space, contact Flight@WingsMuseum.org or 303.360.5360 ext 160.

*Weather permitting

Saturday Apr 8
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Cockpit Demo Day

Cockpit Demo Day
Saturday, Apr 8 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Get an up close look inside select aircraft at the museum and learn all about the history of the aircraft, instruments and controls!

Featured Aircraft in April:

  • Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 MLD
  • LTV A-7D Corsair II
  • Alexander Eaglerock
  • Cessna U-3A (Wheelchair accessible)
  • Bede BD-5 (Wheelchair accessible)

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