Fifteen minutes after the first swimmers waded into the waters off Ducktrap Beach in Lincolnville last August, tension spread among the organizers of LifeFlight’s annual Islesboro Swim. Swimmer Number 19 was missing. His dedicated kayaker, responsible for supporting him along the three-mile venture across Penobscot Bay to Islesboro, could no longer see him.

“Maybe he’s one of the three who scratched,” one of the organizers suggested.

“No,” said Melissa Arndt, director of communications for the LifeFlight of Maine/LifeFlight Foundation. “I know he entered the water.”

Minutes later, Number 19 made his existence known amidst the other swimmers. Yes, he was in the water. The kayaker had simply lost sight of him.

Fortunately for all involved, the flyover by LifeFlight’s helicopter at the annual Lincolnville-Islesboro fundraising swim was for show only, not for rescue. However, the Lewiston-based chopper itself was a fill-in. LifeFlight’s Bangor-based chopper, which had originally been scheduled to for the Islesboro swim, been called to an emergency in Houlton.

The frequency of calls made for LightFlight help has increased over the past decade, which is why the nonprofit is adding a Beechcraft King Air B200 airplane to the fleet, and is actively raising money to purchase a third helicopter.

While the new plane has been refurbished following its purchase in May, LifeFlight has conducted more than 50 transports, some involving Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital, using a loaner plane, according to Arndt.

The new plane owned by LifeFlight is now close to being flight-ready, with only FAA approval remaining. 

Then fly, it will. The cruising speed of 315 mph is more than double the helicopters’ average speed of 165 mph.

The plane can also fly in some weather conditions less suitable for choppers, according to Arndt.

Along with the plane’s purchase, LifeFlight has hired five fixed wing-certified pilots and one fixed wing mechanic; the organization is also in the process of hiring four additional pilots.

The organization is still fundraising for the third helicopter. Approximately $700,000 more is needed for the aircraft itself, plus an additional $500,000 for the medical equipment and $2 million for a new hangar, and other costs associated with establishing a new base in southern Maine.

LifeFlight also fundraises for education and training initiatives to strengthen the EMS network across the entire state.

Islesboro Crossing raises $115,000 for LifeFlight

Swimming with the fish so the birds can fly in the sky

LifeFlight exceeds Islesboro Swim donation goal of $100,000

Camden helps LifeFlight borrow money for new plane, expand services

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com.