The BK117 has been the workhorse of the STARS fleet since STARS began in 1985. The BK117 is a highly maneuverable aircraft able to land at hospital helipads or even directly at the scene of emergencies on highways, fields, and in remote areas with difficult terrain.

The medical interior of the helicopter features state-of-the-art instruments and technology, including a ventilator, and in some cases, airborne ultrasound. This allows STARS to take the emergency room to the patient.

STARS Alberta Coverage


The AgustaWestland AW139 is STARS' new high-performance aircraft. This helicopter flies further and faster than the BK117 and is equipped with a more spacious medical interior allowing STARS medical crew full access to two patients.

De-icing technology built into the aircraft will also allow STARS pilots to operate in a wider range of adverse weather conditions. The first AW139 is located at the STARS Edmonton base. A second AW139, which will be stationed at the Calgary base, is set to arrive in 2013.

STARS Alberta Coverage

Serving Alberta Better

 Both STARS aircraft types have twin engines for added safety and are capable of search and rescue missions. With these helicopters, STARS is able to provide rapid, highly specialized emergency care and transportation to approximately 94 per cent of Alberta's population.

STARS Alberta Coverage

THE STARS CREW


Did you know?

• STARS has flown more than 23,000 missions since 1985
• 3 bases in Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie
• 1,655 missions in 2011 – average of four per day
• 100 medical emergencies handled on industry sites in 2011
• Helicopter is in the air approximately 10 minutes after accepting a call
• STARS is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• The use of Night Vision Goggles allows STARS to fly at night in    difficult terrain
• The STARS Foundation is the fundraising arm of STARS
• The STARS Lottery is the single largest fundraising initiative

On every mission, the STARS helicopter is staffed with two pilots and the air medical crew. Our highly skilled medical professionals include a flight paramedic, flight nurse and an emergency transport physician. Transport physicians provide online medical oversight during missions and in some cases are on board with our crew.

To ensure the greatest level of safety, all missions are flown with two pilots — a captain and a first officer. STARS pilots are among some of the best pilots in the country, and are ready for all types of missions.