This University of Michigan Survival Flight Bell 430 air ambulance was photographed taking off from the Bronson Methodist Hospital Heliport in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan in July 2012. A month after this photo was taken, the first of three Eurocopter EC155s entered service to replace the Bell 430s which were acquired in 1999 to replace earlier Bell 230s. The air ambulance program was founded in 1983. The programs main heliport is just east of the University of Michigan Medical Centre, with the maintenance base located at Ann Arbour Municipal Airport.

Seen her hovering while arriving at the Navy apron. (Nikon D610 + Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR ED)

A lot of machinery. (Nikon D610 + Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S)

Heavy maintenance on-going. (Nikon D610 + Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S)

Some maintenance on going on this beautiful Bell. She used to be registered as N432UM, flying for the University of Michigan. (Nikon D610 + Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S)