Flight For Life Transport System

A new chapter is taking flight for Flight For Life - ThedaStar.

Our new aircraft is officially here, carrying forward the legacy of the ThedaStar helicopter that served our program and communities since 2009. Like its predecessor, this aircraft is an EC135. While the paint scheme has a slightly different look, it remains unmistakably ThedaStar.

We are excited to have this aircraft in service and look forward to the role it will play in safely transporting patients and supporting our communities for years to come.

Pictured with the new aircraft are pilots Nic and Nick, along with medical crew members Dani and Ryan.

Yesterday marked the final shift for the current ThedaStar helicopter, which has served our program and communities since 2009.

At the end of the shift, recently retired ThedaStar pilot Dan Unruh lifted off in the aircraft, beginning its trip to Texas. But before it left, we had a very special guest stop by.

Pam Witt-Hillen, who was part of ThedaStar’s very first patient transport in 1986, joined Dan for part of the flight. It was wonderful to see Pam back with the program after 31 years of flying full time with ThedaStar, along with several additional years part time.

This aircraft has been part of countless missions, memories, and moments of care over the past 17 years. As we say goodbye to this helicopter, we look forward to welcoming another ThedaStar aircraft and continuing to serve our communities with the same dedication, safety, and compassion that have defined the program since the beginning.

A ski resort in the summer? No snow. No skis. No problem.

Flight For Life – ThedaStar was happy to participate in the Slinger Touch-a-Truck event this past Saturday. It may not have been ski season, but it was still a great day to let people in the community get an up-close look at the helicopter.

Thanks for having us out!

And thanks to Connor for sending the great pictures!

A beautiful sunset on the helipad at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center after completing a patient transport.

Even after 40 years of flying, views like this never get old. Every flight is different, but the mission remains the same: being ready when patients need care the most.