After five months of operating two new Airbus Helicopters H135s, emergency medical service provider CALSTAR said it is exceeding expectations in high and hot conditions.

California Shock Trauma Air Rescue was the first U.S. air medical transport servicer to operate the H135. The nonprofit took delivery in June and was operating them the following month. Flying many of its critical missions in the Sierra Nevada and foothills, the mountainous region has high altitudes and significant summer heat. The H135 also features a Garmin GTN 750 fully integrated navigation, communication and GPS avionics suite. This allows for enhanced IFR operation.

The light twin is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW206B3 turbine engines. CALSTAR is undergoing a fleet modernization plan launched in 2012. It also operates eight Airbus EC135s.