Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Little Rock (BHRI) recently installed a unique cross-section of an airplane fuselage, branded as “Sky BHRI,” complete with authentic passenger seats and overhead storage compartments.
This project was constructed by Aero Salvage Design of Northeast Arkansas, a specialized company that salvages airplane parts to create realistic aircraft sets for movies and television. It will be integrated into the institute’s therapy programs to provide a realistic, true-to-life flight experience for patients undergoing rehabilitation.
The installation was constructed into a wooden frame. While the interior features authentic materials salvaged from decommissioned planes, the exterior is wrapped in a vinyl to mimic a real cross-section, incorporating the colors of Baptist Health.
The addition of the fuselage section is a groundbreaking step in BHRI’s commitment to providing innovative and patient-centered care.
For many patients, the return to daily activities includes the ability to travel. This simulation environment will allow physical and occupational therapists to work with patients on the complex tasks associated with air travel, such as:
-Navigating the narrow aisles and managing luggage.
-Practicing the mobility required to get into and out of passenger seats.
-Reaching into overhead bins to retrieve items.
-Managing balance and coordination in a realistic, confined space.
The simulated environment, funded in part by gifts to Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute through Baptist Health Foundation, will be a vital tool for patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic procedures, and other conditions that impact mobility and balance.