With a grant from USAID and funds from private donors, extensive modifications were made to the plane to convert it into a fully functional teaching eye hospital. In 1980 Eddie Carlson, former chairman of United Airlines, agreed to donate United’s oldest DC- 8 aircraft to the Project. It has the latest in 3D technology and broadcasting capabilities ensuring that Orbis can train more doctors, nurses and medical professionals than ever before. It includes a fully accredited surgical suite, treatment rooms and a 46-seat classroom: a hub for skills transfer, learning and innovation. The aircraft itself, N330AU, was generously donated by FedEx and custom designed to incorporate the latest in avionics, hospital engineering, technology and clinical expertise. The MD-10 conversion now falls under the Boeing Converted Freighter program where Boeing’s international affiliate companies perform the conversions. The new cockpit eliminates the need for the flight engineer position and allows a common type rating with the MD-11.
#Orbis flight upgrade#
The upgrade includes an Advanced Common Flightdeck (ACF) used on the MD-11 and was launched in 1996. The MD-10 is a retrofit cockpit upgrade to the DC-10 and is re-designated the MD-10. Not only does it ensure a sustainable eye care legacy is left in its wake, it acts as a flying ambassador waving the flag for improved eye care services wherever it lands. The plane provides hands-on training to local eye care professionals in the heart of under resourced communities around the world.
It is equipped with everything needed to unite the world to fight avoidable blindness. The Flying Eye Hospital is the world’s only state of the art teaching eye hospital on board an MD-10 aircraft. While these tours are now full, there is an opportunity to join a waiting list should spaces become available.
“The Orbis team last visited Dublin Airport ten years ago and we’re delighted to welcome the new next generation Flying Eye Hospital to Dublin Airport,” he added.ĭuring its time here, Orbis is arranging tours of the aircraft beside the Cityjet Hangar from March 2nd to 5th. Welcoming the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison said: “Once again we are very proud to host the Flying Eye Hospital and to support the work that Orbis carries out in saving sight around the world. The purpose of the aircraft’s visit to Dublin is to raise awareness and much needed funds to allow Orbis continue its work in the developing world. By Mark Dwyer 0 Orbis Flying Eye Hospital visits Dublinĭublin Airport welcomed a unique visitor yesterday when the Orbis Flying Eye hospital touched down, 10 years after its last visit in 2007. The specially converted MD-10 aircraft is the world’s only fully accredited flying eye hospital, making it possible to bring ophthalmic training and sight-saving care to isolated communities across the globe.
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