Kansas Department of Transportation Aviation looking to improve air ambulance access

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Department of Transportation Aviation is looking to improve air ambulance access as a part of its Kansas Airport Improvement Program.

KDOT Aviation says they have been in contact with a state air ambulance association to learn of their needs.

The state air ambulance association that KDOT Aviation talked to shared specific airports they would like to work with but are unable to do so due to deficiencies, such as weather reporting.

They also shared their wants and needs:

Runway minimum 3500×60 (need) (would like 4500 x 60 if possible due to varying requirements by different air ambulance operators throughout the state).

AWOS (need)

Either full length parallel taxiway or a turnaround on each end of the runway (like)

Runway lights/gps approach if possible (need/like)

Sufficient ramp space (like)

Facilities for pilots to check weather, use restrooms, etc. if possible. (like)

Hangar available for inclement weather if possible. (like)

NOTAMS for relevant runway/field condition reports (like, otherwise they have to call airport to check on conditions which delays their decision making).

For more information about the KAIP, click here.