Dec. 20.2019
Doctor-Heli Out to Save Lives
Emergency calls trigger the dispatch of the air ambulances called Doctor-Heli in Japan. Along with other helicopter and jet operations, it is one of the services offered by Shizuoka Air Commuter Corp. The firm kindly invited us to observe a rare assembly of Doctor-Heli.
![](https://kito.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_1470-e1576128950340-1024x690.jpg)
The firm recently built a helicopter hanger at the Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport. In this stylish and modern environment, bright with natural light from the roof.
![](https://kito.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_0956-695x1024.jpg)
The assembly starts at 8am. A crate containing a helicopter in parts arrives from Italy by air. On opening the crate, the front part of the helicopter comes out. It is carefully lifted by a Kito crane.
![](https://kito.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_1159-1024x684.jpg)
When the wheels come out, the helicopter can stand on the floor. Internal inspections begin.
The tail comes out and slowly moves into position.
![](https://kito.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_1405-1024x684.jpg)
The two halves are docked. Weights are used to keep them horizontal. After three hours of careful but efficient work, the helicopter is assembled.
![](https://kito.com/wp-content/uploads/DSCN0037-e1576128798497-1024x804.jpg)
Here comes the helicopter cabin.
As soon as the main rotor is installed and the fine-tuning done, it’s ready for test flight.
The Doctor-Heli in the picture is the first assembled in this hanger.