History of MAMA
For over 20 years, Mission Hospital has provided our community and surrounding areas with critical care transport for infants, children and adults through Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA). Here are some of the significant events of the service through its history. If you have photos of MAMA that you would like to submit, please use our contact form.
1985
Initial concept for Air Medical Program to serve Western North Carolina explored by Memorial Mission Hospital
July 1986
$350K North Carolina General Assembly Grant funding approved
Summer 1986
Hiring and Training of Initial Flight Crews
29 Sept. 1986
First Patient Flight. Transylvania Community Hospital.
March 1987
Arrival of new aircraft BO-105 N105MM
23 April 1987
First Neonatal Flight
March 1989
1000th safe Transport
Aug 1989
Dedicated Communications Staff
Sept 1990
2000th Safe transport
July 1990
First in flight delivery - Twins
Oct 1992
Ground Support Ambulance goes into service
29 Sept. 1996
10 year anniversary of program held at Mission Campus
Summer 1998
Research and Design team for new EC-135 aircraft
25 Feb 1998
5000th Safe Transport - Angel Medical Center
05 Feb 1999
First FAA approved part 135 Civilian EMS Night Vision Goggle Flight
Summer 1999
New Communications Center in operation
July 2000
Grant funding obtained by Foundation for eight GPS approaches in WNC
Oct 2000
MAMA 1 EC-135 featured aircraft at Air Medical Transport Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.
Dutch Fridd awarded Pilot of the Year by National EMS Pilots Association
Dec 2000
Arrival of new aircraft SPIFR EC-135 N135N to replace BO-105
13 Feb 2001
Karl Esbenshade awarded Mechanic of the Year by Helicopters Associated International
Feb 2003
HRSA grant obtained by Foundation for purchase of second aircraft
Feb 2004
Hiring and Training of MAMA 2 crew members
Oct 2004
MAMA 2 goes into service using BO-105 N105NC
Jan 2005
Full integration of electronic patient care charting system
2 May 2005
10,000th flight - Angel Medical Center
Summer 2005
Research and Design team for new BK-117 aircraft
29 Sept. 2006
20th Anniversary of Safe Patient Transports
06 April 2007
First Flight of new aircraft BK-117 N117J to replace BO-105
01 June 2007
Total patients transported 12381 Total hours flown 11600
June 2009
Total patients transported: 14,700
