NEWS RELEASE
For More Information Contact:
Airport Authority - Kristina Holmes
(260) 747-4146 ext: 233
or
Parkview Hospital – John Perlich
(260) 373-7206
For Immediate Release
February 20, 2008
Airport Authority & Parkview Hospital Unveil Advanced Safety System at Smith Field Airport
FORT WAYNE, IN – The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, in partnership with Parkview Hospital’s Samaritan Flight Program, recently installed an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at Smith Field Airport (SMD). The AWOS provides site specific weather information for pilots, making it easier for them to navigate in poor weather conditions.
In order for Parkview’s Samaritan helicopters to transport patients directly to their hospital under poor weather conditions, the AWOS must be located within 5 miles of the landing site. Placing the AWOS at Smith Field, a mid-way point between Parkview’s two Fort Wayne campuses, will allow instrument approaches for their helicopter at both hospitals. In addition to supporting Parkview’s Samaritan flight operations, the certified AWOS will enhance the safety of the many private/corporate pilots who use SMD by providing a level of flight information that was previously unavailable to them.
“We were pleased to partner with Parkview on this project because it represents a win-win situation for our entire community. Not only will the new AWOS enhance Samaritan’s operational capabilities, it will increase flight safety for all SMD users,” stated Tory Richardson, Executive Director of Airports for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority.
"This is a great partnership as we continue our commitment to excellent patient care," said Mike Packnett, President and CEO, Parkview Health. "Samaritan is a tremendous asset to the communities we serve. We are pleased to be working together with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority and Smith Field to ensure that safety is a top priority for our patients and Samaritan pilots."
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) was created in 1985 and is responsible for managing the Smith Field and Fort Wayne International Airport. Smith Field is situated on 250 acres of land approximately 5 miles north of downtown Fort Wayne and serves Northeast Indiana’s general aviation community. Under FWACAA, Smith Field is striving to grow general aviation in the region by introducing new aeronautical education opportunities, improving facilities, and pursuing new service providers.
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