Except for submission of a written application to the board on a form provided by the board, an application to provide air ambulance service shall be exempt from the provisions of section 144E.11. A license issued pursuant to this section need not designate a primary service area. No license shall be issued under this section unless the board determines that the applicant complies with sections 144E.10, 144E.11, subdivision 1, 144E.121 to 144E.127, and 144E.18 and the requirements of applicable federal and state statutes and rules governing aviation operations within the state.